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The agouti (Dasyprocta sp) in biomedical research and captivity
Laboratory Animal Science
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Researchers developed effective methods for housing, feeding, and collecting blood from agoutis (Dasyprocta sp) for research. These findings support the use of agoutis in biomedical studies.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Research
Background:
- Agoutis (Dasyprocta sp) are hystricomorph rodents.
- Their use in National Institutes of Health research required specialized care methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish optimal methods for feeding, housing, and blood collection in agoutis for research purposes.
- To provide baseline hematologic and serum chemical values for agoutis.
Main Methods:
- Agoutis were housed in conventional dog cages and kennels.
- Diet consisted of primate chow and apples.
- Sedation with ketamine HCl (42-83 mg/kg, IM) facilitated examinations and blood collection.
- Blood samples were obtained from cephalic, saphenous, and jugular veins.
Main Results:
- Agoutis thrived on the established diet and housing conditions.
- Ketamine HCl provided effective sedation for procedures.
- Hematologic and serum chemical values were determined and found comparable to other rodents.
Conclusions:
- Successfully developed and implemented methods for agouti care and sample collection in a research setting.
- Established hematologic and serum chemistry data are valuable for future agouti research.
- Agoutis can be effectively utilized in biomedical research with appropriate husbandry and handling techniques.