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Husbandry of Monodelphis domestica in the study of mammalian embryogenesis

Lab Animal volume 39, pages 219–226 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Monodelphis domestica, commonly called the laboratory opossum, is a useful laboratory animal for studying marsupial embryogenesis and mammalian development. Females breed year-round and the animals can be sustainably bred indoors. The authors draw on their own laboratory's experience to supplement previously published research on laboratory opossums. They describe a breeding protocol that reliably produces timed-pregnant M. domestica. Additionally, the authors discuss general laboratory opossum husbandry techniques and describe how to collect, handle and culture embryos.

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Figure 1: Adult female M. domestica in a polycarbonate animal cage lined with aspen bedding.
Figure 2
Figure 3: Female laboratory opossums with litters of juveniles.
Figure 4: Body weight as a function of age in (a) male (n = 32) and (b) female (n = 51) M. domestica in our colony.
Figure 5: Mating setup for M. domestica.
Figure 6: M. domestica embryos obtained from timed-pregnant animals.
Figure 7: Embryonic development on days 9 and 10 of pregnancy.
Figure 8: Embryonic development proceeds rapidly during the final 3.5 d of pregnancy.
Figure 9

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Acknowledgements

We thank Lori Lindsey for technical assistance and an anonymous reviewer for helpful comments and suggestions. Research in Y.P.C.'s lab is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (#0718404) and Grants-in-Aid from Oberlin College.

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  1. Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH

    Holly Rousmaniere,  Rachel Silverman,  Rachel A. White,  Mark M. Sasaki,  Siobhan D. Wilson,  Jeremy T. Morrison &  Yolanda P. Cruz

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Rousmaniere, H., Silverman, R., White, R. et al. Husbandry of Monodelphis domestica in the study of mammalian embryogenesis. Lab Anim 39, 219–226 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0710-219

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