Why mostly Rats for researches?
Rats and mice have so many biological similarities to humans,
they make up 90–95% of the mammals in biomedical research.
Rats are mammals and their system should react to the
chemicals in similar way to those of humans. In order to consider human safety
consumption or exposure it is tested with rats or mice.
Mice and rats are also relatively inexpensive.
Rats reproduce quickly and have short life span of 2 years. Researchers do not have to wait
long to evaluate test results in generations. The grandsons and granddaughters
of original test rats could appear within months, not the years it would take
in human subjects.
Also since they reproduce fast they are very useful in
genetic researches.
They are also small and easy for researchers to use.
What are other mammals used in
research?
Other mammals commonly found in research are guinea
pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and farm animals such as pigs and sheep
Researchers
increasingly rely on
species such as zebrafish, fruit flies, and
worms for basic research about gene function and biological processes.
Sheep provide a model to study osteoarthritis, a breakdown of
cartilage that occurs as people age, causing pain and inflammation in the
joints.
Pigs offer a model for research on skin problems, including
what may happen when medicine or a toxic substance is absorbed through the skin.
Species such as dogs, cats, and non-human primates account for
less than 1% of all mammals in research. Although not used widely, these
animals have characteristics that make them vitally important for the study of
heart disease, neurological disorders, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
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