Breeding and Reproduction Flashcards
6 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Breeding and Reproduction flashcards as text
What is the typical estrous cycle length for a mouse?
Answer: 4-5 days
The mouse estrous cycle is approximately 4-5 days with four stages: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus.
What is a vaginal plug and what does it indicate in mice?
Answer: A coagulated mass of seminal fluid indicating mating has occurred
A vaginal plug is coagulated seminal fluid that forms after mating. Checking for plugs each morning is standard for detecting mating in timed breeding.
What is the typical litter size for laboratory mice?
Answer: 6-12 pups
Laboratory mice typically produce 6-12 pups, varying by strain. C57BL/6 average 6-8 pups; CD-1 outbred may produce 10-14.
What is the Whitten effect in mouse breeding?
Answer: Male pheromones synchronize estrous cycles in group-housed females
The Whitten effect occurs when male pheromones synchronize and stimulate estrous cycling in group-housed females within 3 days.
At what age are mouse pups typically weaned?
Answer: 21 days
Mouse pups are typically weaned at 21 days when they can eat solid food and drink independently. They should be separated by sex.
Why avoid disturbing a mouse dam's cage in the first 48 hours after birth?
Answer: Disturbance can cause the dam to cannibalize pups due to stress
Disturbance within 48 hours of birth can trigger stress-induced cannibalism. Minimize disturbance during this critical bonding period.