Suggested guidelines for the housing and husbandry of rodents for aging studies

The available published guidelines for the housing of rodents are reviewed, and assessments are made with regard to whether the data on which these guidelines are based appear to be sound. Ambient air temperature, relative humidity, lighting levels and photoperiods, sound levels, cage sizes, and ventilation rates are discussed, and a summary is provided covering the relationship between these and other factors and the well-being of laboratory rats and mice exposed to such conditions.