Reproductive activity of analbuminemic rats

Long-term feeding and breeding in a conventional environment have been investigated in analbuminemic rats, a mutant strain established from Sprague-Dawley rats. Analbuminemic rats kept alive for over two years and maintained normal reproductive performance for over one year. The rotational system of one male and four females was better reproductive efficiency than the continuous pairing system of one male and one female. The litter size and weaning rate in analbuminemic rats were similar to those in Sprague-Dawley rats. Although we tried to establish a caesarean delivered SPF colony of analbuminemic rats, no changes in reproductive performance were recognized.