Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

At what age do female mice typically begin to breed?

1. 30 days

2. 40 days

3. 50 days

4. 60 days

The correct answer is: 50 days

Female mice typically begin to breed around 50 days of age. At this stage, they reach sexual maturity and are capable of mating and producing offspring. This timing is important for researchers and animal care technicians to understand, as it impacts breeding programs, colony management, and experimental design. Mating behavior in mice is influenced by various factors, including genetic background and environmental conditions, but on average, females become receptive to mating around this age. This information is vital for anyone involved in laboratory animal care, as it helps in planning for breeding schedules and understanding the reproductive cycle of laboratory mice.