ALAT Animal Husbandry and Environment 2

Question 1

What is the recommended temperature range for housing laboratory mice according to the Guide?

Accepted Answer

64-79 F (17.8-26.1 C)

Answer

The Guide recommends 64-79 F (17.8-26.1 C) for most common laboratory rodents. This range is a compromise between human comfort and animal thermoneutral zones.

Question 2

How often should water bottles in rodent cages typically be changed?

Accepted Answer

At least twice per week

Answer

Water bottles should be changed at least twice per week to prevent bacterial contamination and biofilm formation.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of providing nesting material to laboratory mice?

Accepted Answer

To allow thermoregulation and species-typical behavior

Answer

Nesting material allows mice to build nests for thermoregulation and provides an outlet for species-typical nesting behavior.

Question 4

What ventilation system provides HEPA-filtered air to individual cages and maintains cage-level containment?

Accepted Answer

Individually ventilated caging (IVC)

Answer

IVC systems supply HEPA-filtered air directly to each cage through a manifold and blower unit, maintaining cage-level environmental control.

Question 5

What is the minimum recommended cage change frequency for rats housed on contact bedding?

Accepted Answer

At least once per week

Answer

Rat cages with contact bedding should be changed at least once per week to maintain acceptable ammonia levels.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Animal Husbandry and Environment 2