Mouse Identification
Mouse Identification - Related Videos
14:12
Rodent Identification II
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2015
Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN Animal records must be accurately maintained to ensure that data collection is correct. Records range from maintaining information on cage cards to having a detailed database with all of the relevant information on each animal. The primary component of recordkeeping is the individual identification of research animals. There are a variety of methods suitable for identifying mice and rats. This...
08:59
Identification Of Erythromyeloid Progenitors And Their Progeny In The Mouse Embryo By Flow Cytometry
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Cited by 13 •
2017
While infiltrating macrophages are continuously recruited to adult tissues from circulating precursors, resident macrophages seed their tissue during development, where they are maintained without further input from progenitors. The progenitors for resident macrophages were recently identified. Here, we present methods for the genetic fate mapping of the resident macrophage progenitors.
11:09
Rodent Identification I
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2015
Source: Kay Stewart, RVT, RLATG, CMAR; Valerie A. Schroeder, RVT, RLATG. University of Notre Dame, IN A fundamental requirement of biomedical research is the proper identification of research animals. It is essential that the right animal is utilized for procedures and data collection. Laboratory mice and rats can be identified with the following permanent methods: ear tags, ear punch codes, microchip implantation, tail tattoos for adult mice, and toe tattoos for neonates. Temporary methods of...
06:31
Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots
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Cited by 63 •
2019
Adipocytes exist in discrete depots and have diverse roles within their unique microenvironments. As regional differences in adipocyte character and function are uncovered, standardized identification and isolation of depots is crucial for advancement of the field. Herein, we present a detailed protocol for the excision of various mouse adipose depots.
15:32
Identification and Analysis of Mouse Erythroid Progenitors using the CD71/TER119 Flow-cytometric Assay
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Cited by 147 •
2011
A flow-cytometric method for identification and molecular analysis of differentiation-stage-specific murine erythroid progenitors and precursors, directly in freshly –harvested mouse bone marrow, spleen or fetal liver. The assay relies on cell-surface markers CD71, Ter119, and cell size.
FAQs
Method selection depends on the animals’ age, the planned study duration, welfare considerations, and how quickly researchers must recognize each mouse. A short study may prioritize rapid recognition, whereas long-term work requires a durable identifier that remains linked to the animal’s recorded information. The best choice therefore balances practical recognition with reliable, unambiguous tracking.
Coat color and markings provide visible cues that can help distinguish animals, while ear punches, ear tags, tattoos, and microchips provide durable labels. Visible features may support rapid recognition, but durable identifiers connect each mouse to recorded information across its experimental history. Using the appropriate type depends on whether immediate visual distinction or persistent record linkage is most important.
An identifier becomes scientifically useful when it connects an individual mouse with its recorded biology, health, genotype, pedigree, and experimental history. This linkage helps preserve the identity of each animal as information accumulates over time. Reliable records reduce the risk of sample mix-ups and allow observations from the same mouse to remain associated with the correct experimental history.
Longitudinal studies follow animals across multiple observations, so each result must remain associated with the correct mouse. Durable labels help maintain that association when researchers track health, behavior, genotype, or treatment history over time. Accurate identification strengthens interpretation by preserving continuity between earlier and later observations rather than allowing data from different animals to become confused.
A practical workflow begins by selecting an identification approach suited to the mouse’s age, study duration, welfare needs, and recognition requirements. Researchers then distinguish the animal using visible features or assign a durable label such as an ear tag, tattoo, or microchip, and link that identifier to the animal’s recorded information. This creates a consistent basis for later tracking.
These durable options are useful when researchers need an identifier that remains associated with recorded information beyond simple visual recognition. The choice among ear punches, ear tags, tattoos, and microchips should reflect the study’s duration, the animals’ age, welfare considerations, and the need for rapid, unambiguous recognition. No single option is appropriate for every colony or experiment.
Accurate identification supports pedigree tracking, genotype management, behavioral studies, drug testing, and longitudinal experiments. In each case, the identifier allows observations or experimental history to be assigned to the correct animal. This is especially important when colony biology and experimental outcomes must be interpreted together, because mistaken identities can disrupt health records, genotype information, or study comparisons.