Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is an acceptable management technique to reduce fighting among male mice housed together?

1. House older males together

2. House young males together from weaning

3. Switch bedding regularly

4. Separate by weight

The correct answer is: House young males together from weaning

Housing young males together from weaning is an effective management technique to reduce fighting among male mice. When young males are grouped together at an early age, they are more likely to develop social bonds and establish a hierarchy, which can lead to more stable coexistence. This early socialization helps diminish aggression that often occurs when males are introduced to one another later in life or are of different ages. In contrast, older males may have already established territories and dominance behaviors, leading to increased aggression and potential fighting when housed together. Regularly switching bedding might not have a significant impact on the social dynamics and aggression levels among males. Separating by weight could also be counterproductive, as size alone does not determine social compatibility and could result in stress if males perceive an imbalance in dominance due to weight differences. Thus, the practice of housing young males together from weaning fosters a more harmonious living environment and mitigates aggression risks.