A study of a laboratory animal colony

This thesis is a study of the small animal colonies operated by the animal nutrition laboratory in the Department of Animal Husbandry. The four animal units studied are the albino rat, albino mouse, guinea pig and rabbit. The management practices used for each species are described fully. They include the housing, feeding, breeding and control of disease methods utilized. The factors discussed in the housing of the animals are the space utilization per animal and the type of cages. In addition, scale drawings and illustrations of the cages and cage racks are included. The method of feeding and the formula of each ration for each species is reported. The system of breeding used in each of the colonies is described. Control of disease is discussed with reference to the sanitation procedures practised. Growth and production data are reported for each species and a comparison made with the data published in the literature for other colonies. The number of animals involved in the study are 1,700 rats, 258 mice, 73 guinea pigs and 85 rabbits. The growth data includes size of litter, birth weights and weekly weights there after until weaning age. The production data comprises the percentage fertility and percentage weaned. In addition the results of a cost survey is reported. The cost per animal for each species includes the cost of housing, feeding and labour. The results reported here are comparable to those reported elsewhere.Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofGraduat