Acclimation & testing periods
Vendor Breeders obtained from The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor Maine USA; mice were bred at the test facility in Braunschweig for 2-6 generations, depending on the strain. Ages7-13 wks (95.5% were 8-12 wks) FeedSsniff #V 1434-300, given ad libitum WaterAcidified pH 3.0, given ad libitum BeddingAspen wood (Populus tremula) (Tabvei, Estonia, partical size: 5x5x1 mm) HousingIVC (Techniplast, blue line) Cage density192 cages per room, 3-4 animals per cage Photoperiod12h:12h Temperature22°C +/- 1°C Relative humidity55% +/- 5% Health statusSpecific pathogen free (SPF) Regulatory complianceAll experiments were approved by an external committee according to German regulations on animal welfare. Protocols were reviewed by an ethics committee (equivalent to IACUC).