Acclimation & testing periods
VendorMice were housed in JAX® production rooms until either 8 or 16 weeks of age when sample collection took place. AgesMice were 10-13 wks of age on the day of sacrifice FeedAll strains maintained on a sterilized 6% fat diet (NIH316 formula, Purina item #5K52) from age of weaning WaterAdjusted with hydrochloric acid to pH 2.8-3.1 and supplemented with menadione sodium bisulfite (final concentration 0.4 mg/ml) to compensate for potential decrease in vitamin K activity upon autoclaving; water supplied in pinhole type bottles (Thoren Caging Systems, Inc. Hazelton, PA). HousingThoren cages; Thoren Maxi Miser #3 cages used for some strains as either part of a PIV (pressurized individually ventilated) system or placed on conventional racking. Room temperature18 - 24°C BeddingSteam autoclaved white pine shavings Relative humidity~50%. Photoperiod14 hrs on (generally covering the hrs of 4:30 AM to 6:30 PM) 10 hrs off Health statusThe Jackson Laboratory Diagnostics Laboratory routinely monitors and documents animal health status using statistically valid sampling procedures and standard protocols. (Sentinel animals are tested). Detailed health status reports for each animal room represented from this project are on file and available on request. See JAX Mice Quality Control Programs or the JAX Mice Catalog for the list of agents monitored.