Growth and longevity of rats fed an agar-bound diet

Abstract

A conventional diet fed to rats in an agar-gel base reduced mature body weight by about 25% and increased longevity when compared to the same diet in pelleted form. Dry matter intake was not affected, but food utilization was considerably poorer. The use of a diet in agar gel may, therefore, provide an improved toxicological assay, especially when used in combination with flushing racks housing 2 animals per cage, where exposure of the animal technician to dust was reduced.

Comparison of gavage, water bottle, and a high-moisture diet bolus as dosing methods for quantitative D-xylose administration to B6D2F1 (Mus musculus) mice

“…This mixture is a useful method for presenting dusty, volatile, or toxic test compounds to animals with minimal spillage and wastage, thus reducing the risk of exposure to toxic test compounds to the technical staff (Lang et al, 1984;Clapp & Bradbrook, 1982). If the test compound is pre-mixed into a soluble diet ingredient, such as lipophilic compounds mixed with the fat component, water-soluble or -insoluble compounds can be incorporated into the diet (Weisburger & Weisburger, 1967).Studies using high-moisture, semi-purified diets containing agar as a binder have been successfully used to feed mice (Lang et al, 1984), rats (Clapp & Bradbrook, 1982),and guineapigs (Navia & Lopez, 1973). Recent studies show agar induces nonpathological, physiological changes in caecum and colon cell growth; however, it may promote the carcinogenicity of certain compounds (Shiau & Wang, 1988).…”

An in-depth study on the agar gel effectiveness for built heritage cleaning

“…Hydrogels are diffusely present in our life with many different applications, for instance in biology [1][2][3], food science [4,5], environmental remediation [6], biomedicine and pharmaceuticals [7]. Recently they have also gained an important role as a cleaning tool for cultural heritage conservation, since they are able to control water release [8][9][10][11].…”

Use of agar-based diet to fulfil the food and water requirements of mice

“…A high moisture diet can also reduce the possible aerosolization of compounds into the air (Clapp & Bradbrook, 1982;Navia & Lopez, 1973). Moist diets are frequently used when dusty or highly toxic test compounds are added to the diet (Rogers, 1979).…”