Rats and mice are robust animals that generally have no special nutritional needs

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement to evaluate is: 'Rats and mice are robust animals that generally have no special nutritional needs.'

First, consider what 'robust' implies in the context of lab or pet rodents. While rats and mice are hardy compared with some other species, robustness does not imply freedom from dietary requirements. Their digestive physiology and metabolic needs are specific, not generic, and feeding them a truly indiscriminate diet can lead to serious health issues.

Next, unpack the claim about 'no special nutritional needs.' In practice, rats and mice require a balanced diet that provides appropriate levels of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They have needs such as adequate calcium and phosphorus balance for bone health, essential fatty acids, and certain vitamins in amounts that reflect their physiology. For example, they rely on good-quality commercial rodent chow or carefully formulated diets to prevent deficiencies or excesses. They also need sufficient dietary fiber to maintain gut health and normal bowel function. This is evidence of specific nutritional requirements rather than a blanket, no-special-needs situation.

Consider potential misconceptions: some may think 'robust' equates to 'can eat anything' or 'do fine on human leftovers.' Such thinking tends to ignore the risk of obesity, dental issues, and nutrient imbalances from inappropriate foods. Additionally, certain foods are toxic to rodents (for instance, chocolate, onions, or excessive sugar), which underscores that their diet must be carefully managed.

If we contrast the statement with proper guidance, a more accurate summary would be that while rats and mice are resilient in many respects, they do have particular nutritional needs that should be met with a balanced, species-appropriate diet rather than a generic intake. Lack of attention to these needs can lead to health problems, even in seemingly robust animals.

In terms of evaluating other potential framing, any assertion that these animals require no special diet would be incorrect since dietary balance, nutrient adequacy, and toxicity avoidance are central to their health management.

To summarize the key point succinctly: the idea that rats and mice have no special nutritional needs is not supported by evidence; proper rodent nutrition involves specific, well-defined requirements and careful diet selection to maintain health.

ANSC 1403 (001) Exam 4

Rats and mice are robust animals that generally have no special nutritional needs

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Which one of the following is the best nutritionally balanced diet for a hedgehog?

Ferrets do not do well on a high carbohydrate diet, particularly corn.

Rabbit diets should be fortified with

Gerbils grow better on a 12% fat diet than a natural raw material diet containing about 3 to 5% fat.

Citrus fruits should never be fed to hamsters. This is because they contain high levels of

位置17的问题 Which supplement should be added to a Guinea Pigs diet?a. Vitamin Ab. Vitamin Bc. Vitamin Cd. Vitamin D

Twin-bearing ewes in late pregnancy have the same energy requirements as single-bearing ewes.

Nutrition on the breeder farm:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler