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. 2022 Sep 1;61(5):412-418.
doi: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-22-000035. Epub 2022 Aug 9.

Housing and Husbandry Alternatives for Naked Mole Rat Colonies Used in Research Settings

Natalie H Ragland  1 , Nicole R Compo  2 , Norman Wiltshire  2 , Alyssa Shepard  3 , Scott Troutman  3 , Joseph L Kissil  3 , Robert W Engelman  2
Affiliations

Housing and Husbandry Alternatives for Naked Mole Rat Colonies Used in Research Settings

Natalie H Ragland et al. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. .

Abstract

Naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are a unique rodent species originating in Africa and are increasingly being used in research. Their needs and characteristics differ from those of other rodents used in research. Unique housing systems are necessary to address the special macro- and microenvironmental requirements of NMRs. Naked mole rats are one of the 2 known eusocial mammalian species, are extremely long-living, are active burrowers, and are accustomed to a subterranean environment. Unlike typical rats and mice, naked mole rats need specific, unique housing systems that mimic their natural subterranean environment to support health and longevity. Here we provide an overview of naked mole rats and a housing method that can be used in research settings.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Tecniplast Aria Ventilated Cabinet BIO-36 in a housing room.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Tecniplast Aria Ventilated Cabinet BIO-C36 in a housing room. A) Closed cabinet; B) 2 Colony caging placed in temperature-controlled unit; C) Multiple colonies housed on 3 shelves in a ventilated cabinet.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Naked mole rat colonies: A) Pregnant queen with male pashas and colony mates; B-D) Active colony mates.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Tunnel systems: A) 3-cage tunnel system; B) 4-cage tunnel system; C-D) 5-cage tunnel system (multiple pictures provided to show the system from various angles).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Tunnel systems with weights on lids. A) Multiple colonies housed in Tecniplast Aria Ventilated Cabinet BIO-36; B) 5-tunnel caging system; C) 4-cage tunnel system.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Sample naked mole rat cage and caging components cleaning and replacement schedule.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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