What is the approximate weaning age of most laboratory rodents?

What is the approximate weaning age of most laboratory rodents?

• A. 7 days
• B. 13 days
• C. 21 days
• D. 27 days

Answer: (C)

Weaning age is the point at which pups can survive without the dam and begin to eat solid food on their own. For most laboratory rodents, that age is about three weeks, roughly 21 days. At this age, pups have grown enough to maintain body temperature, have reached a suitable body weight, and are developmentally ready to transition from milk to solid food, making separation from the mother a routine part of husbandry. Some strains or species may vary a bit and be weaned closer to 28 days, but 21 days is the standard average used in common practices.

Weaning age is the point at which pups can survive without the dam and begin to eat solid food on their own. For most laboratory rodents, that age is about three weeks, roughly 21 days. At this age, pups have grown enough to maintain body temperature, have reached a suitable body weight, and are developmentally ready to transition from milk to solid food, making separation from the mother a routine part of husbandry. Some strains or species may vary a bit and be weaned closer to 28 days, but 21 days is the standard average used in common practices.