Last updated: January 5, 2012
I. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the animal care requirements associated with the daily husbandry of naked mole rats to ensure consistent and uniform care. This procedure applies to all personnel involved in the care of naked mole rats housed in a caging system in the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) facility on the campus of the University of Montana.
II. Policy
It is an LAR policy to meet or exceed all federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines and to comply with all institutional policies and procedures as they apply to the use of animals in research. LAR personnel must pass on-line animal training modules and attend applicable training in animal care and use, occupational health and safety, and equipment operation prior to performing activities outlined in this SOP. Animal housing rooms should be entered using appropriate personal protective gear for the species and disease or hazard containment level.
III. Procedures for Care
A. Monday to Sunday: Daily routine
- Observe naked mole rats (NMR) for signs of disease, illness or injury.
- Check to see that they have eaten
- Check cage for regular urine and feces
- Check for pregnant females, new pups and deaths
- Report any problems to the LAR supervisor
- Remove food from previous day.
- Feed each NMR one ½ inch square piece of yam.
- Fill the Air-O-Swiss humidifier with water twice daily or when needed.
- Thermostat should be set for 60% on high setting
- Sweep and mop the floor with 10% bleach.
- Empty trash.
- Fill out checklist sheet, census sheet and initial the daily log.
B. Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Additional Routine
- In addition to daily feeding with yams, add smaller ¼ inch piece of apple, corn, banana, peas, grapes, sprout, green beans or carrot.
C. Tuesday and Thursday: Additional Routine
- In addition to the daily feeding of yams, add 1 teaspoon of ProNutro vitamin cereal into small feeding dish (mixed with 1 teaspoon of water) for each box of NMR.
D. Once Monthly: All Surface Cleaning (ASC)
- Spray walls, table, rack, light diffusers, floor, door and threshold with Micro-quat and wipe down with paper towels. Let stand 10 minutes.
- Mop excess Micro-quat from floor using mop and bucket and plain water.
- Initial checklist, ASC sheets and daily log.
E. Once Every 2 Months: Complete Cage Change
- Set up a completely clean caging system with clean boxes and lids
- Rinse and wash dirty cage system and store clean caging systems in HSB007
- Wipe down shelves around andunder boxes with duster, micro-quat and paper towels.
- Sweep and mop floor with bleach water
- Rinse with clean water.
- Squeegee excess water into drain. Dry with paper towel if necessary.
- Initial checklist, ASC sheets and daily log.
F. Humidifier Maintenance
- There are two humidifiers in this room (Moist Air and Swiss Air).
- Hand was both humidifiers monthly with vinegar/bleach/water and scrub brush to remove hard water build-up.
- The Swiss Air's Silver Ion stick is replaced every 5-6 months (January and July) the Silver Ionic cartridge is replaced every 3 months (March, June, Sept and Dec.).
- The Moist Air's filters (4) are replaced every month.
