Optimal breeding strategy for mouse mutant strains

Abstract

Despite the published recommendations after the Banbury Conference in 1997 to maintain a mutation on controlled genetic backgrounds, maintenance of mutant strains and production of experimental groups are still too often hampered by constraints of time, space, and cost.

We propose here a simple and rigorous method that allows not only the efficient production of animals, but especially the precise control of the genetic background and the generation of appropriate control groups, guaranteeing stable and reproducible observations. This method is flexible and allows optimization and adaptation of the production according to the experimental needs, thus reducing the final cost. In addition, the work of the Animal Care technicians is simplified and animal welfare is improved.