Effects of housing and nutrition condition on the reproduction of SAMR1, SAMP6 and SAMP8 at NILS aging farm

Abstract Three strains of SAMs including SAMR1TA (SAMR1), SAMP6/Ta (SAMP6) and SAMP8/Ta (SAMP8) were monitored for their reproduction, pathology along the aging and survival under the housing condition of an aging farm at the National Institute for Longevity Sciences (NILS). Although the diet used at the NILS aging farm was different from that recommended by the Council for SAM Research, the low-protein diet, Labo MR Stock, did not disturb the reproduction of the SAMs. The strain differences among SAMs were clearly identified and the survival of each strain was far longer than previous reports. The housing system, including maintaining and breeding system, of the NILS aging farm was, thus, considered to be appropriate for the long-term observation and establishment of aged individuals in the laboratory strains of the rodents.