Concerns about the diet of mice and rats and the effect this has on research results, has led to sweeping new recommendations by US Scientists.
The American Society for Nutrition has announced the first updated advice on rodent feed for 30 years following a study by a working group of experts.
Previous research published by Michael Pellizzon, a member of the working group, showed the negative impact that a change in diet can have on results and reproducibility of research.
“Having animals at their healthiest and then modifying the diet” gives researchers “a better base” to explore the effects of specific nutrients and development of diseases, he said at the discussion.
A recent study by Jackson Laboratories, USA, also demonstrated how changes in the lab environment can have profound effects on the gut of laboratory rodents, urging caution when transporting animals between facilities.