Colony Management

The Preclinical Research Unit (PRU) provides technicians who are proficient at establishing and maintaining colonies with a focus on genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models for oncology research. We specialize in providing additional study management and technical services that these specialized colonies entail.

General Guidelines

Colonies are managed to suit the needs of each individual laboratory. Breeding plans can be managed by the lab or the PRU, and are based on strain, genotype and other specialized needs. The PRU defaults to breed in a manner that reduces both animal numbers and staff hours while adhering to all DCM and IACUC policies. We can provide services for management of your colony, tissue collection for genotyping, identification, weaning, breeding and euthanasia. We can also assist with production breeding for experiments as well as performing any experimental work required.

Colony Maintenance

Maintaining a colony for future use requires the least number of mice and hours. Cage costs are kept at a minimum as cages are only replaced as needed for maintaining the colony. Our goal is to retain younger, healthy mice that can be used for backup breeders while keeping generational turnover at a minimum.

Experimental Production

It is important to determine the number of breeding pairs you need to supply enough mice for experiments. We can assist with all aspects of your research including planning, management of your colony, experimental procedures utilizing GEM mice, monitoring of health and other variables, as well as sample collection at the end.