Commitment To Genetic Integrity
Mice from both expansion and production colonies are randomly selected for SNP genotyping. All individuals suspected of contamination are examined and then removed.
Diligent Monitoring Of Phenotypes
JAX monitors colonies for novel and atypical phenotypes, conducting in-depth investigations into their causes and heritability.
Rigorous Colony Management
We restrict the number of generations to fewer than ten from the original pedigree line and routinely refresh our production stocks with new foundation mice to maintain genetic vitality.
Genetic drift affects all independent mouse breeding colonies, potentially compromising experimental reproducibility and scientific conclusions. While genetic drift cannot be eliminated entirely, meticulous colony management can significantly mitigate its effects on research. Our expert animal care technicians continuously monitor for deviations in phenotypes, including coat color, body size, weight, skeletal structure, behavior, reproductive performance, tumor susceptibility, and lifespan. When they detect any anomalies, JAX scientists conduct thorough investigations into their causes and heritability. Deviant mice are promptly removed from breeding colonies and the parent strains are carefully observed to prevent recurrence.
Learn How to Prevent Genetic Drift
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