Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Why is it important to maintain the TNZ for laboratory animals?

1. To ensure optimal growth and health

2. To minimize costs associated with heating

3. To reduce handling stress

4. To avoid excessive feeding

The correct answer is: To ensure optimal growth and health

Maintaining the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) for laboratory animals is crucial because it creates an environment where animals can maintain their body temperature without expending additional energy. This optimal thermal condition supports their overall physiological well-being, leading to ideal growth rates, reproductive success, and robust immune responses. When animals are within this thermal comfort zone, they are less likely to experience stress, which can negatively impact their health and the outcomes of research studies. When the temperature fluctuates outside of the TNZ, animals may need to expend extra energy to regulate their body temperature, which can detract from the energy available for growth and essential metabolic processes. Thus, maintaining the TNZ is foundational for promoting the health and well-being of laboratory animals, ensuring they are in the best condition for research or breeding.