Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What may occur if the litter of mice is disturbed shortly after birth?

1. Increased growth

2. Separation anxiety

3. Cannibalism

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Cannibalism

When a litter of mice is disturbed shortly after birth, the most concerning outcome is cannibalism. This behavior can arise from several factors related to the stress and anxiety experienced by the mother mouse. If the nest is disturbed, the mother may feel threatened and react in a way that could lead her to eat her young, particularly if she perceives that they are in danger or if she feels overwhelmed. Mice have a natural instinct to protect their young, but extreme stress can cause them to neglect or harm their offspring. The disturbance can also make the mother less able to care for the litter, leading to abandonment or aggression. Consequently, ensuring a quiet environment for the mother and her young during this vulnerable period is critical to their survival and well-being. While growth, separation anxiety, and dehydration are significant issues to consider in other contexts, they do not directly correlate with the immediate and distressing impact of disturbing a mouse litter right after birth in the same way that cannibalism does.