Absorbency and other physical properties of three different rodent beddings in Thailand

Abstract

Absorbency and other physical properties of three different rodent bedding materials in Thailand corncob, woodchips, and para-rubber-were tested to find the most appropriate rodent bedding for the NLAC-MU colony. Corncob had the maximum volumetric absorbency after 48 to 72 h soaking in saline. The volumetric absorbency, mass, and density of corncob were significantly higher (p<0.05) than for woodchips and para-rubber (1.5 to 2.5 times). In contrast corncob had the lowest (p<0.05) mass absorbency when compared to woodchips and para-rubber, due to its mass. Autoclaving influenced some properties of corncob bedding due to a reduction in the mass, density, and absorbency. However similar change were not found in woodchips or para-rubber. Woodchips generated significantly more (p<0.05) dust particles than para-rubber and corncob respectively. Perimeter (mm) /area (mm2), and wood fiber space (μn) were used to measure the altered shape after soaking in saline. The results showed that all the bedding used in this study did not significantly change (p>0.05) in shape and preserved its hardness after soaking. The study concluded that corncob and para-rubber were more appropriate for use as rodent bedding than woodchips. Further studies were needed to carry out toxicity, gas production and preference testing.