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Bedding
Bedding is part of a laboratory animal’s environment, and thus must meet certain criteria. It must not contain nutrients or be treated with deodorizers, disinfectants, or other chemicals, as these could affect the animals and ultimately the research.
Changing to a different bedding material in the middle of an experiment could also affect the experiment’s results. Bedding must not create levels of dust that irritate the animal’s lungs and eyes; additionally, contact bedding must be free of sharp, splintery edges or other defects that could injure animals and make nest-building difficult
There is no ideal bedding material for all species in all applications. Wood shavings, compressed paper and straw (for large animals) are the most common types of bedding.
The bedding materials should be providing maximum comfort to the animals, easy to clean and sterilize and should not be contaminated with pathogens, parasites e.g. mites and flees or with animal droppings. Bedding provides the nesting materials for the animals especially pregnant animals and prevents the animals from developing sores on their feet’s.
Mice use bedding to deposit odor patterns. They claim territory through urinary scent marking. Proteins specific to individuals prepare a male mouse to identify his own and another male’s urine scent. However, too much urine in crowded conditions can unnaturally extend estrous cycles. Change the bedding about once a week.