ALAT Animal Husbandry and Environment 4

Question 1

What is the recommended relative humidity range for most laboratory rodent housing facilities?

Accepted Answer

30–70%

Answer

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends maintaining relative humidity between 30–70% for most rodent species.

Question 2

Which type of bedding material is considered most appropriate for laboratory mice to reduce ammonia buildup?

Accepted Answer

Hardwood chip bedding

Answer

Hardwood chip bedding (such as aspen) is preferred because it is absorbent, low in aromatic compounds, and helps control ammonia levels.

Question 3

A technician notices that group-housed male mice are showing increased aggression and wounding. Which environmental modification is the FIRST recommended intervention?

Accepted Answer

Provide environmental enrichment such as huts or shelters

Answer

Adding enrichment items like shelters gives subordinate animals refuges and often reduces aggression-related wounding in group-housed males.

Question 4

How often should water bottles and sipper tubes be changed or sanitized as a minimum standard in rodent facilities?

Accepted Answer

At least weekly

Answer

Water bottles and sipper tubes should be sanitized at least weekly to prevent microbial contamination and biofilm formation.

Question 5

What is 'ringtail' in laboratory rats, and what environmental factor primarily causes it?

Accepted Answer

Annular constriction of the tail caused by low humidity

Answer

Ringtail is annular constriction and necrosis of the tail caused by low relative humidity, most commonly seen in neonatal rats.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test

ALAT Animal Husbandry and Environment 4