The Vertebral Column, Ribs, and Sternum of the African Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse)

Abstract

Examined bones were obtained from eight adult African giant rats, Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse. Animals used had an average body mass of 730.00 ± 41.91 gm and body length of 67.20 ± 0.05 cm. The vertebral formula was found to be C7, T13, L6, S4, Ca31–36. The lowest and highest points of the cervicothoracic curvature were at C5 and T2, respectively. The spinous process of the axis was the largest in the cervical group while others were sharp and pointed. The greatest diameter of the vertebral canal was at the atlas (0.8 cm) and the lowest at the caudal sacral bones (2 mm). The diameter of the vertebral foramen was the largest at C1 and the smallest at the S4; the foramina were negligibly indistinct caudal to the sacral vertebrae. There were 13 pairs of ribs. The first seven pairs were sternal, and six pairs were asternal of which the last 2-3 pairs were floating ribs. The sternum was composed of deltoid-shaped manubrium sterni, four sternebrae, and a slender processus xiphoideus. No sex-related differences were observed. The vertebral column is adapted for strong muscular attachment and actions helping the rodent suited for speed, agility, dexterity, and strength which might enable it to overpower prey and escape predation.

Laboratory Investigations of African Pouched Rats (Cricetomys gambianus) as a Potential Reservoir Host Species for Monkeypox Virus

“…Members of the genus Cricetomys are native to the savannahs and rain forests of tropical Africa, they dig burrows for shelter and food storage; and can reach body lengths of >67cm and weights of >730 grams [ 24 ]. These species are commonly exploited as bushmeat [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Morphology of the oral cavity of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse)

“…It is however smaller than the greater cane rat (Adu & Yeboah, 2003;Byanet et al, 2008); thus explaining why the AGR is ranked as the continent's second most hunted microlivestock, after the cane rat (Asibey, 1974;Olude et al, 2013).…”

An alternate prospect in detecting presymptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers through odor differentiation by HeroRATs

“…These nocturnal omnivores are fairly tame and docile; hence, they are used as pets in some places ( Cooper, 2008 ). The AGRs also have remarkable vision in the dark and a keen sense of olfaction ( Olude et al., 2013 ). Reports have it that they sniff out specific odorant molecules from buried landmines and positive tuberculosis sputum samples after training ( Weetjens et al., 2009 ; Olude et al., 2013 ).…”

“…The AGRs also have remarkable vision in the dark and a keen sense of olfaction ( Olude et al., 2013 ). Reports have it that they sniff out specific odorant molecules from buried landmines and positive tuberculosis sputum samples after training ( Weetjens et al., 2009 ; Olude et al., 2013 ). This makes the AGR, which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, a highly versatile animal ( van der Straeten et al., 2008 ).…”

“…The AGR has large olfactory bulbs and extensive olfactory glomerular layer organization as well as developed cognitive abilities ( Ibe et al., 2014 ). The AGR detects odorant molecules with high percentage success after few months of training ( Olude et al., 2013 ; Ibe et al., 2014 ). Specially trained AGRs, nicknamed HeroRATs, have been used as detectors of pulmonary tuberculosis on people living in Tanzania and Mozambique using sputum samples collected from patients with presumptive tuberculosis by a Belgian nongovernmental research organization—Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) in Tanzania ( Poling, 2010 a ; Poling.…”