Mouse Breeding and Colony Management

The possibility to genetically modify the mouse genome has enabled the creation of numerous lines of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). As a result, the demand for housing space in research facilities is increasing. Knowledge of the basis of mouse reproduction and of the methods to handle colonies of GEMMs is therefore mandatory to efficiently populate facilities. The mouse has a short generation period, produces large progenies, and can breed all year round. However, environmental parameters (bedding, diet, cage type, temperature, hygrometry, light, noise, and sanitary status) strongly influence the breeding efficiency and experimental data, and must be tightly controlled. Efficient GEMM colony management requires adequate recording of breeding and proper identification and genotyping of animals. Various mating types and breeding schemes can be used, depending on the type of studies conducted. The recent development of assisted reproduction methods helps circumvent some of the issues faced with those lines especially difficult to breed. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 1:239-264. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.