Select Physiologic Data of Laboratory Animals a

Species

Gestation Period (days)

Litter Size

Age and Body Weight at Sexual Maturity

Usual Life Span (years)

Average Body Temperature (°C)

Heart Rate (bpm)

Water Consumption (per day)b

Mice

19–21

4–12

6 weeks (20–30 g)

1–3

37

310–840

4–7 mL

Rats

21–23

6–14

1.5−3 months (0.2–0.3 kg)

2–3

37.5

300–500

8–11 mL/100 g

Guinea pigs

59–72

1–4

2–4 months (0.4–0.6 kg)

3–5

38

230–380

10 mL/100 g150 mL

Hamsters, golden

15–18

4–10

2–4 months (85–110 g)

2–3

37

280–410

30 mL

Gerbils

25

2–9

3 months (60–100 g)

2–5

38

250–600

4–7 mL/100 g

Rabbits

30−32

4–12

5–6 months (3–4 kg)

5–7

39

200–300

300–700 mL

Squirrel monkeys

150

1

2.5–3.5 years (0.6–1.1 kg)

16–20

39

300–380c

70–110 mL

Rhesus monkeys

165–175

1–2

4–5 years (5–11 kg)

15–30

39

120–180c

80 mL/kg

a See also .

b Typical of an average adult; varies with body mass index, number of animals per cage, moisture in feed, temperature, etc.

c Results obtained under anesthesia.