ALAT Breeding and Reproduction 5

Question 1

Which condition describes a female mouse that shows signs of pregnancy (including a vaginal plug) but is not actually pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Pseudopregnancy

Answer

Pseudopregnancy occurs when ovulation happens without fertilization, causing hormonal changes that mimic pregnancy.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of using a 'vasectomized male' in a rodent breeding program?

Accepted Answer

To induce pseudopregnancy in females for embryo transfer

Answer

Vasectomized males mate with females to induce pseudopregnancy, preparing the uterus for embryo transfer without producing offspring.

Question 3

At what age are female rats generally first bred in a laboratory setting?

Accepted Answer

8-10 weeks

Answer

Female rats are typically first bred at 8-10 weeks of age when they have reached sufficient body maturity.

Question 4

Which hormone surge triggers ovulation in cats, making them induced ovulators?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Answer

In induced ovulators like cats, the mechanical stimulation of mating triggers an LH surge that causes ovulation.

Question 5

In laboratory animal breeding records, 'D.O.B.' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Date of Birth

Answer

D.O.B. stands for Date of Birth and is a critical data point for tracking animal age, breeding eligibility, and study enrollment.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test