Company News

Classification and Features of Lab Animal Feed

Views : 645
Author : Bruce Jin
Update time : 2021-04-19 10:15:09
There are two different classification methods for laboratory animal feed. The first one can be divided into powder feed, pellet feed, puffed feed and liquid feed according to the shape and texture; the second one can be divided into cereal feed (grain-based feed), purified feed and chemically defined feed according to the composition of raw materials.

The detailed description and characteristics of the two types are shown in the table below.

 
Classification Features Description
 
Powder feed
 
A variety of raw materials are crushed and evenly mixed in proportion
Powder feed inhalation through respiratory tract can reduce masticatory function and gastrointestinal irritation. It is generally used in special research, such as adding drugs to feed.
 
Pellet feed

 
It is made of powder feed pressed by pelletizing machine
The most commonly used lab animal feed. But in the production process, it will cause trace pollution.
Puffed feed

 
It is made of powder feed by gelatinization
 
It is only used in a few lab animals (dogs, monkeys) and generally not used.
 
Liquid feed
 
It is made of powder feed mixed with different liquids It is mostly used in chemically defined feed.
 
 
Classification Features Description
 
Cereal feed


 
Raw materials from crops or by-products of crops (plant and animal raw materials)
 
The composition of cereal feed is complex and the influencing factors are not easy to control, but the palatability is better and the product price is lower.
Purified feed

 
Casein, sucrose or starch, vegetable oil and cellulose are used as raw materials with high purity of inorganic salts, vitamins and trace elements

 
The components of purified feed are very clear, and the factors affecting the research of lab animals are greatly reduced, but the palatability is poor and the production cost is relatively high

 
Chemically defined feed
 
Using high purity amino acids, monosaccharides or disaccharides, fatty acids or triglycerides, reagent grade minerals and high purity vitamins as raw materials
 
The quality control is the best, but the production cost is very high, so the use is limited


 
Related News
Read More >>
Formula Design of Lab Animal Diets Formula Design of Lab Animal Diets
Nov .29.2021
Formulas of lab animal diets must contain a variety of raw materials and be scientifically proportioned according to the nutritional needs of lab animals. For the verified formulas, the long-term fixed production shall be maintained.
Instruction for Use of Additives in the Lab Animal Diets Instruction for Use of Additives in the Lab Animal Diets
Oct .11.2021
The addition of compounds or medications to the diets is quite common in animal experiments, but researchers must consider the following in terms of formula design and production process selection.
Correlation between body weight gain and temperature in mice Correlation between body weight gain and temperature in mice
Aug .11.2021
Simply put, mice have to consume extra calories to maintain their body temperature in a low temperature environment. After more calories consumption, the weight gain rate of mice slowed down.
3 Common Problems in Using High-Fat Rodent Diets 3 Common Problems in Using High-Fat Rodent Diets
Aug .03.2021
Lab animals are prone to anorexia when they eat purified high-fat diets, in fact, this is a normal phenomenon in the process of feeding. High-fat diet contains more calories than standard diet, so lab animals are more likely to feel full.