Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

At what age are mice typically weaned?

1. 14-21 days

2. 21-28 days

3. 28-35 days

4. 30-45 days

The correct answer is: 21-28 days

Mice are typically weaned at around 21 to 28 days of age. Weaning is the process where the young animals are transitioned from a diet solely consisting of their mother's milk to solid food. This critical period in their development allows them to begin eating independently while still being in a social environment with their siblings, which is important for their socialization skills. Weaning at this age supports their nutritional needs as they grow, as their ability to digest solid food improves around this time. It is also when they start to exhibit more independence from the mother, preparing them for further development and eventual maturity. In laboratory settings, adhering to a standardized weaning age is important for consistency in experimental conditions and animal husbandry practices.