Traditional rodent diets were formulated decades ago based on understanding of rodent nutrition, ingredients, and diet manufacturing at the time. While traditional diets will supply the known nutrient needs of your laboratory animals, we recommend you consider the use of a diet from our newer global diet line for your modern research needs.

Teklad Global Rodent Diets^® are modern formulas designed to reduce research variables. Specifically, these diets contain more appropriate nutrient levels, and limit or exclude ingredients that are reported to have effects on a wide variety of research endpoints.

• Lower, more appropriate protein levels can improve survival and reduce morbidity
• Vegetarian with no nitrosamines (a potential carcinogen)
• Formulated to exclude alfalfa meal, greatly improving fluorescent imaging clarity
• Formulated to exclude or lower soybean meal, thus minimizing the presence of isoflavones, the primary type of phytoestrogen found in lab animal diets
• Extruded rodent diets dramatically reduce clumping and hardness after autoclaving (2018SX, 2019S, 2020SX), and in general result in less diet waste and cleaner cages

Teklad rodent diets are natural-ingredient diets specifically formulated to provide the proper balance of all known nutrients considered essential for the growth, maintenance, and reproduction of rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters. These diets conform to the nutrient requirements for rodents established by the National Research Council (1995).

Teklad rodent diets provide uniform nutrition. They are fixed-formula diets designed to minimize the nutrient variances which otherwise could occur if the ingredient composition of a diet were altered from one batch to the next.

Protein is supplied primarily by plant sources. Supplemental amino acids are added to provide the proper amount and balance of essential amino acids. All rodent diets are fortified with vitamins and minerals to help support the regulation of body fluids and the proper functioning of body systems to ensure the adequate growth, maintenance, and reproduction of research rodents. Autoclavable diets are supplemented with additional vitamins to compensate for losses that occur during autoclaving. Since our diets are nutritionally complete and balanced, it is not necessary to add dietary supplements.

There is no definitive point where one is able to predict when a specific diet will spoil or become deficient in one or more nutrients. The common guideline of a six month shelf life is based on longstanding practice in North America. In Europe and Asia, differences in local practices and regulatory oversight have led to Teklad standard natural ingredient diets being routinely used out to nine months and sometimes 12 months post-manufacture. This practical experience, along with literature support and vitamin testing over time, gives us confidence that these diets continue to support animal health and study integrity out to at least nine months post-manufacture. Please refer to your institution for guidance if you are unsure of local policies.

Recommended storage conditions:

• Cool and dry; at or below 70 degrees fahrenheit with humidity ideally below 50%, but up to 65% is acceptable
• Clean and free of pests
• In original packaging or in a container that prevents continuous exposure to light and minimal exposure to air

Standard natural ingredient rodent diets are complete diets for rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters, that should be allowed ad libitum access to the diet. Fresh water should be available at all times.

• Minimum order quantity is three kg, sufficient for feeding ~20 mice for one month
• Store diet refrigerated and plan to use within six months
• Typical lead time is two weeks (four weeks if irradiated)
• Irradiation (optional) minimal dose of 20 kGy (Must be requested at time of order)
• To place an order: contact Teklad Customer Service at 800.483.5523 or initiate order online

Plan for:

• Initial reduction in food intake and weight loss
• Daily observation of animal tolerance — consult your IACUC for monitoring metrics
• Intervene when necessary

If intake seems to be a problem:

• Determine if a lower dose is effective for your model by conducting a tamoxifen dose feeding trial
• Gradually acclimate mice by mixing tamoxifen-containing pellets with regular feed pellets
• Wet the food, then place in a dish inside the cage (requires daily replacement)
• Feed tamoxifen diet on weekdays, regular diet on weekends
• Alternate weeks (two weeks on tamoxifen diet, one week off) for longer treatments

• Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) meaning it can repress actions of estrogen or have pro-estrogen effects
• Usual dose for therapeutic effects in humans is 20 mg/day. Tamoxifen diets for rodents typically contain ~one to two mg/pellet
• Accidental tamoxifen exposure can be minimized by using typical lab precautions of lab coat, gloves, and mask when handling the diet.
• Your chemical safety department should be contacted for additional institution specific guidelines for handling and disposal of tamoxifen containing diets.

• Length of treatment varies from one to two weeks^1,2,5,6,7,8 to one to two months^3,4,8
• Pure tamoxifen^1,5,8 and tamoxifen citrate^1,2,3,4,6,7 are both effective
• Usual tamoxifen doses are ~40-80 mg per kg body weight per day
• Typical inclusion for pure tamoxifen is 250 mg⁸ or 500 mg^1,5 and for tamoxifen citrate is 400 mg per kg diet^1,2,3,4,6,7
• Initial weight loss of ten % is reported^1,2,4,7,8, associated with reduced food intake²
• Subsequent recovery of body weight after returning to regular diet may be compromised by gene inactivation^2,7

1. Andersson KB, Winer LH, Mork HK, Molkentin JD, Jaisser F. 2010. Tamoxifen administration routes and dosage for inducible Cre-mediated gene disruption in mouse hearts. Transgenic Res 19:715-725.
2. Chiang PM, Ling J, Jeong YH, Price DL, Aja SM, Wong PC. 2010. Deletion of TDP-43 down-regulates Tbc1d1, a gene linked to obesity, and alters body fat metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:16320-16324.
3. Kardakaris R, Gareus R, Xanthoulea S, Pasparakis M. 2011. Endothelial and macrophage-specific deficiency of P38alpha MAPK does not affect the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. PLoS One 6:e21055.
4. Kiermayer C, Conrad M, Schneider M, Schmidt J, Brielmeier M. 2007. Optimization of spatiotemporal gene inactivation in mouse heart by oral application of tamoxifen citrate. Genesis 45:11-16.
5. Koitabashi N, Bedja D, Zaiman AL, Pinto YM, Zhang M, Gabrielson KL, Takimoto E, Kass DA. 2009. Avoidance of transient cardiomyopathy in cardiomyocyte-targeted tamoxifen-induced MerCreMer gene deletion models. Circ Res 105:12-15.
6. Kratsios P, Catela C, Salimova E, Huth M, Berno V, Rosenthal N, Mourkioti F. 2009. Distinct roles for cell-autonomous Notch signaling in cardiomyocytes of the embryonic and adult heart. PCirc Res 106:559-572.
7. Miro-Murillo M, Elorza A, Soro-Arnaiz I, Albacete-Albacete L, Ordonez A, Balsa E, Vara-Vega A, Vazquez S, Fuertes E, Fernandez-Criado C, Landazuri MO, Aragones J. 2011. Acute Vhl gene inactivation induces cardiac HIF-dependent erythropoietin gene expression. PLoS One 6:e22589.
8. Welle S, Burgess K, Thornton CA, Tawil R. 2009. Relation between extent of myostatin depletion and muscle growth in mature mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab.Oct;297(4):E935-40.

A more complete name would be Standard Natural Ingredient Diets. These diets are manufactured in large quantities (at least 2 tons) and stocked at one or more Envigo Teklad distribution centers. Standard natural ingredient diets are readily available and can generally be delivered within a few days after an order is placed. These diets primarily contain grains (corn, wheat), legumes (soybean meal) and to a lesser extent ingredients such as fish meal, and meat and bone meal. Standard natural ingredient diets include Global and Traditional diets and are available Irradiated and/or Certified.

Using standardized fixed formulas and ingredients purchased under the same stringent specifications in the United States and Europe, Envigo’s unique Teklad Global Diets Program provides nutritional consistency to national and multinational companies for their worldwide research, maximizing global study uniformity. Global Diets have the same product names in all countries. The Global Rodent diets have lower protein levels than most traditional diets and are formulated free of alfalfa with zero or modest amounts of soybean meal, thus minimizing the presence of natural phytoestrogens.

Envigo offers a variety of Traditional Teklad diets for the common laboratory animal species. These fixed formula diets are made from high quality ingredients. While traditional diets will supply the known nutrient needs of laboratory animals, we recommend that researchers consider the use of a diet from our Global Diet line. The traditional rodent diets were formulated decades ago based on understanding of rodent nutrition, ingredients, and diet manufacturing at the time. There was limited appreciation of the effects of non-nutrients, such as phytoestrogens, on experimental results. Alfalfa meal and soybean meal are the major sources of phytoestrogens in laboratory animal diets. These ingredients, particularly soybean meal, are found in most traditional rodent diets.

Fixed Formula diets are diets that are manufactured in accordance with a formula that remains unchanged from one production to the next. In conjunction with strict quality standards for raw materials, this approach ensures quality and consistency by minimizing nutrient variability and the variability of other phytochemicals in the diet which might affect a research study.

Certified diets are diets that have been tested for a standard panel of environmental contaminants that are known to be capable of interfering with a study. These diets help ensure that a study complies with the FDA’s Good Laboratory Practices regulations requiring periodic feed analysis. An Envigo certificate of analysis signed by a nutritionist is made available to the customer.

Our #1 goal is to provide quality and consistent products to our customers. This begins with ensuring that raw materials of only the highest consistency and quality are obtained. Raw materials are only obtained from approved suppliers who agree to meet our quality standards. Suppliers are audited on a regular basis and their products are tested for quality before being accepted into our facilities. Fixed formulas and established manufacturing procedures are in place for each product which ensure that the product is manufactured consistently with each production. In-process and final product testing is completed prior to distribution of the product to a customer. Envigo utilizes its own network of company owned and operated distribution centers throughout the US and Canada rather than use outside distributors.

There is no definitive point where one is able to predict when a specific diet will spoil or become deficient in one or more nutrients. The common guideline of a 6 month shelf life is based on longstanding practice in North America. In Europe and Asia, differences in local practices and regulatory oversight have led to Teklad standard natural ingredient diets being routinely used out to 9 months and sometimes 12 months post-manufacture. This practical experience, along with literature support and vitamin testing over time, gives us confidence that these diets continue to support animal health and study integrity out to at least 9 months post-manufacture. Please refer to your institution for guidance if you are unsure of local policies.

没有一个人能够预测当特定的饮食会破坏或缺乏一个或更多的营养。在常见的 6 个月的货架寿命是基于长期的实践中。在欧洲和亚洲 ， 不同地方的做法和监管标准 ， 导致 Teklad 饮食天然成分通常使用了 9 个月和 12 个月后有时制造。这种实践的经验 ， 再加上文学和测试支持 ， 让我们继续支持这些膳食研究动物的健康和完整性至少 9 个月后制造。请参考您的机构的指导 ， 如果你不确定的地方政策。

Recommended storage conditions:

• Cool and dry; at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity below 50% ideal, but up to 65% is acceptable
• Clean and free of pests
• In original packaging or in a container that prevents continuous exposure to light and minimal exposure to air

建议贮藏条件 ：

• 冷却和干燥 ；在等于或低于 70 华氏度 ， 湿度低于 50% ， 但高达 65 ％ 是可接受的
• 干净 ， 没有害虫
• 在原包装或容器 ， 防止在连续的光暴露和最小暴露于空气中

Envigo offers irradiated diets, bedding, and enrichment items. Irradiation reduces the bioburden (number of organisms) contained by a product by exposing the product to gamma ionizing radiation from cobalt-60. Organisms exposed to gamma irradiation are damaged at the molecular level often with lethal effects. The net result is a decrease in the amount of viable microorganisms present in the product. Envigo irradiates all Teklad products at a minimum dose of 2.0 Mrad (20kGy) and a maximum of 5.0 Mrad (50 kGy).

Autoclaving destroys vitamins and amino acids that are supplemented in the diet. To compensate for this destruction, autoclavable diets contain an additional supplement of vitamins and supplemental amino acids. Autoclavable diets are packaged in perforated bags which allow steam from the autoclave to penetrate throughout the diet when the diet is autoclaved inside the bag.

Phytoestrogens are phytochemicals naturally produced by plants which interact with endogenous estrogens. They have some similarity in molecular structure compared to endogenous estrogens and bind to some extent with estrogen receptors. Phytoestrogens have been shown to affect mammalian physiology including cancer growth, atherosclerosis, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and behavior. This is of concern to researchers because standard natural ingredient diets are often composed of ingredients which contain significant quantities of phytoestrogens. Soybean meal is an ingredient common to standard natural ingredient diets which contains a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. The two primary isoflavones are genistein and daidzein. Alfalfa meal is a second ingredient common to standard natural ingredient diets. It contains the phytoestrogen coumestrol.

Custom research diets are made in small quantities and are generally not stocked. These diets are typically formulated for a specific type of research objective. These diets can consist of refined ingredients (purified diets), natural ingredients (grain and other ingredients found in standard diets), or utilize a standard diet as a base to which other ingredients are added. Any of these diet types can serve as the basis to add a customer supplied ingredient (test article, pharmaceutical, food extract, etc). We have approximately 20,000 diets in our database, so the formula you require may already have been created. We also utilize this database as a resource when formulating new diets. We will be pleased to provide you a complete formula sheet, containing the ingredients and inclusion rate, macronutrient values, key features, and planning and ordering information.

Purified diets use refined ingredients such as casein, sucrose, cornstarch, and cellulose. These human food grade ingredients have relatively simple chemical compositions (predominantly one nutrient classification) and this feature is important for manipulating individual nutrients for research purposes. Additionally, most refined ingredients contain very limited levels of non-nutrients that could have biological activity. This is in contrast to the natural ingredients (corn, wheat, soybean meal, etc.) used in standard diets, which have relatively complex chemical compositions as well as various phytochemicals that may or may not be physiologically relevant. Refined ingredients are obtained from reliable suppliers of human grade products, and we consistently obtain ingredients from the same vendors, year after year. Additionally, the major protein ingredients are assayed for a specific panel of nutrients to ensure minimal variation. Thus, purified diets will be repeatable and can easily be modified. Examples of common purified diets include AIN-76A (CA.170481), AIN-93G (TD.94045), and AIN-93M (TD.94048).

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) (formerly American Institute of Nutrition, AIN) has promoted the use of nutritionally adequate purified diets for rodents, because many researchers may not be aware of potential nutritional variables. The AIN-76 formula was published in 1977, and became AIN-76A with minor revision (increased Vitamin K) in 1980. The diet has been used extensively, and there were several suggestions about improvements. This resulted in the publication of two formulas in 1993, AIN-93G (for growth, reproduction, and lactation) and AIN-93M (for maintenance). The article J. Nutr. 123: 1939-1951 (1993) discusses the rationale for the several revisions. Some of the changes include soybean oil rather than corn oil, the addition of other carbohydrate sources and lower sucrose, decreased phosphorus, cystine in place of methionine, inclusion of several trace mineral elements, and a few vitamin adjustments. The maintenance diet has less protein and fat.

Each formula is given a unique identification number and retains that identity among the thousands of formulas in our files. This assures the same formula will be used even years later. Upon production, a six or seven-digit “Rx” lot number is assigned that allows for traceability through all phases of diet production. These detailed production records are kept for every item produced. Quality-control samples are retained for nine months. Each lot of the major protein ingredients is analyzed for a number of nutrients to verify uniformity from lot to lot. Care is taken to retain reputable vendors for these refined ingredients.

Yes, we can help you in adding a test compound or ingredient to a diet. This is often a convenient approach to dosing research animals. When adding a compound to a diet, there are some important safety and stability considerations. Please see customer supplied ingredients for more specific information.

A phone call or an email exchange with one of our staff will augment the information that you gather from the web site or published literature, and you are more likely to receive a diet that best meets your particular needs. We are careful to maintain confidentiality, and will sign formal agreements if necessary. Please contact us at info@jinpanbio.com for consultation regarding your specific diet needs.

Advise us why the diet is needed, and for what animal species. Discuss the nutrients or ingredients of interest in as much detail as possible. Please avoid subjective descriptions such as “low, normal, and high” because these terms have different meanings to various researchers. Provide us with a copy of any existing formula to be duplicated or modified, and any journal article(s) upon which your research may be based. Let us know if the diet must be irradiated.

Our minimum order for custom research diets is 3 kg. This is particularly convenient when feeding small numbers of mice, especially for diet that contains your test compound. The minimum quantity for vitamin and mineral mixes is 500 g.

我们的饮食风俗研究最少是 3 公斤。这是特别方便的小数量喂养、饮食含有测试化合物。在最小量的维生素和矿物质混合料是 500 克。

Prices are dependent on formula details, ingredient composition, order quantity, and form (pellet or powder). If you know the product code, contact customer service at  info@jinpanbio.com. If you are unsure of the product code, have a new request, or require other technical information, contact a Nutritionist info@jinpanbio.com.

Standard packaging includes a small box (nine x nine x 11 inches) that will fit up to five kg, a medium box (ten x ten x 15 inches) that will fit up to ten kg, and a larger heavy-duty box (13 x 13 x 20 inches) with inset handles that holds up to 20 kg. Every container also includes a three-mil poly liner to keep your research diet as fresh as possible. Vacuum packaging and specific quantity packaging are also available at additional cost. Vacuum packaging will typically reduce the amount of diet fit into a box. Contact us at info@jinpanbio.com for more information.

Diets are custom made to fill each order. The typical lead-time between order and shipment is ten business days. The exceptions to this are TD.88137, TD.06414, and TD.01306 which for orders of 25 kg or less, are usually available within a week. If irradiation is required (add ten business days). We can often accommodate your rush production needs, for an additional fee. Contact us at info@jinpanbio.com for more details. Transit time depends on the type of delivery method used (regular ground, overnight, etc.). Weight and delivery method affect shipping costs, which are typically prepaid and added to the invoice.

There is no definitive point where one is able to predict when a specific diet will spoil or become deficient in one or more nutrients. Custom research diets are perishable and should be refrigerated at 4 degrees celsius (40 degrees fahrenheit) or lower (see Fullerton, et.al. J Nutr. 112:567-573, 1982). As a general guideline, diets can be stored this way for up to six months. Freezing a diet may slow reactive processes, but there is not sufficient information available to recommend feeding a diet past six months as a general guideline. Use of diets beyond the recommended use date will be subject to the protocols of your institution.

没有一个人能够预测当特定的饲料会破坏或缺乏一个或更多的营养。饲料习俗研究很容易腐烂并冷藏在 4 ℃ 或更低 (参见 Fullerton 等。J Nutr 。112 ： 567 – 573 ， 1982) 。作为一般性指导 ， 可这种方法存放六个月之久。冷冻的食物可减慢反应过程 ， 但是没有足够的信息可用以推荐的饮食喂养 6 个月。使用饲料建议的使用日期的协议。

Custom research diets vary significantly in their formulation. There may be certain features of a diet that merit a shorter shelf-life. To learn more about storage and use recommendations, and to help you asess if your diet has features that may warrant a shorter shelf-life we have put together a guide. If you have further questions about your diet, contact us at info@jinpanbio.com.

Barrier facilities or certain animal models require sterilized diet. Most custom research diets do not withstand autoclaving; however, we can arrange for qualified diets to be irradiated. The irradiation dose range is two to five MRad, or 20-50 kGy. Nominal fees and extra time are involved. Please contact us at info@jinpanbio.com for details about irradiation costs and additional lead-time.

A nutritionist can assist you in determining if a formula is suitable for irradiation. Irradiation will lead to selective vitamin loss, and it is our practice to increase the inclusion rate of certain vitamin mixes to help ensure that the final diet contains sufficient vitamins. Irradiated diets are double-bagged. Vacuum packaging may be helpful in reducing irradiation-induced peroxide formation in high fat diets.

Some diet formulas are fairly common or generic, and probably are not considered confidential by those who use them, especially when authors provide a product number. Formulas might be difficult to trace without a product number, and then must be discussed with a nutritionist. We will review each formula for history and confidentiality.

Provide us with at the very least a description, preferably the complete formula, and we’ll give you an assessment of our ability to make that formula.

There are limitations for pelleting diets. The level and type of fat, the carbohydrate composition, and the interaction of fat and carbohydrate will impact our ability to pellet a diet. Consult a nutritionist at info@jinpanbio.com for more information about specific formulas.

“Vitamin-Free” Test Casein is an alcohol-extracted casein prepared from regular casein, and typically has 90-91% protein (%N x 6.38), 0.1% fat, and four-six % moisture. The alcohol extraction reduces fat, fat soluble vitamins, and some of the B vitamins. This protein source is most appropriately used in vitamin deficient diets, and when researchers want to minimize “background fat” in a diet. We have prepared this specialty ingredient for many years, and continue to supply it to many labs. We will develop special pricing on request for large quantities. Advance notice is recommended for orders of 1,000 Kg or more. If you need this ingredient, consider Envigo as your preferred source.

Yes. Some of the same high-quality ingredients used to produce custom research diets can also be supplied to those who prepare their own diets. See diet ingredients for more information.

When citing Teklad diets, include a description, and a product number — standard grain based diets are typically four numbers while custom diets usually start with “TD” followed by five or six numbers. Use the following examples as a guide:

“Rats were maintained on minimal phytoestrogen diet 2016 Teklad Global 16% Protein Rodent Diet, Envigo, Madison, Wisconsin USA, www.amrescoinc.cn”

“Obesity was induced by feeding Teklad high fat diet TD.06414 with 60% of kcal from fat, primarily lard, Envigo, Madison, Wisconsin USA, www.amrescoinc.cn”

“Mice were fed Teklad vitamin D deficient diet TD.89123, Envigo, Madison Wisconsin USA, www.amrescoinc.cn

Each diet has a unique product number that will allow others to quickly and easily obtain information about the diet used in your studies by contacting info@jinpanbio.com

No. According to the NIH OACU Guidelines for Use of Non-Pharmaceutical-Grade Chemicals/Compounds in Laboratory Animals (2008), the vehicle used to facilitate administration of a compound is as important of a consideration as the active compound in the preparation. Diet as a vehicle, either whole or as the sum of its parts, would not meet the standard for pharmaceutical grade as defined by this document.

You may have been asked this question by your IACUC due to a passage in the 8^thedition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (2011) stating that pharmaceutical-grade chemicals and other substances should be used, when available, for all animal-related procedures (page 31). In general, deviations from “Must” or “Should” statements within the Guide require justification and approval by your institutional IACUC.

Alternative dosing techniques (gavage, injection) can introduce stress from handling and increase the risk for potential injury. Stress can affect animal well-being as well as scientific parameters through modifications in behavior and physiology. Dosing via diet is an established method for delivering test compounds to animals that is non-invasive, reducing stress and potential injury from handling. Therefore, use of non-pharmaceutical grade compounds as a delivery method is justified, as it is advantageous for both animal welfare and experimental design.

Further reading:

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: 8th Edition (2011). National Research Council Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Guidelines for the Use of Non-Pharmaceutical-Grade Chemicals/Compounds in Laboratory Animals. (2008). Animal Research Advisory Committee, Office of Animal Care and Use, NIH.

Laboratory routines cause animal stress. (2004). Balcombe, J.P., Barnard, N.D., and Sandusky, C. Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci 43, 42-51.