Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Female mice come into heat within how many hours of parturition?

1. 10-12 hours

2. 14-28 hours

3. 30-36 hours

4. 48-72 hours

The correct answer is: 14-28 hours

Female mice exhibit estrus, or come into heat, typically within 14 to 28 hours after giving birth (parturition). This rapid return to estrus is a notable aspect of mouse reproductive physiology, allowing for efficient breeding and population growth in controlled environments. Understanding this timeframe is critical for laboratory animal technicians as it enables proper breeding management and planning. Observing the female mice for mating behaviors shortly after parturition can help optimize breeding schedules, which is essential in research settings where genetic consistency and timing of litters are important. The other options suggest timings that are either too short or too long, as physiological studies have shown that the estrus cycle in female mice is quite efficient post-birth, significantly aiding in effective breeding programs within research facilities.