Consultation prior to breeding colony establishment is required to identify husbandry needs for the colony and to develop a colony-specific standard operating procedure (SOP). The IACUC requires the UAC Breeding Colony Supervisor’s signature on all breeding protocols and addenda. Consultation is also strongly encouraged if production is less than anticipated to identify potential factors that may be adversely impacting production and to discuss strategies to improve production.

Typical rodent breeding colony management services include setting up breeding groups (pairs, trios, harems), weaning, and separating offspring into groups by sex and parental source.  UAC also maintains breeding records for colonies that are fully managed by UAC.  Special services such as timed-matings, vaginal plug checks, and daily checks for new litters are available on a fee for service basis.  If an investigator wishes UAC to fully manage their rodent breeding colony or has special requests of UAC for investigator-managed colonies, inquiries should be made to the breeding colony supervisor.

Please contact the UAC Breeding Colony Supervisor for consultation, special needs, and to report problems related to rodent breeding to Cindy Richner or (520) 626-6270.