Analysis of odor compounds in feces of mice that were exposed to various stresses during breeding

Abstract

In order to provide healthy experimental animals, it is important to find and remove animals that have been accidentally exposed to various stresses during breeding. This study focuses mouse health-care management. Here we used human olfaction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to assess odor intensity and determine the concentrations of odor components. The feces were collected from mice that were exposed to 4 different stresses (no bedding chips, shaking, fasting, and movement restriction). These stresses caused a change in odor intensity as assessed by 6 panelists. Seventeen components were identified as dominant components in the odor that was emitted from feces. The concentration of each compound was converted to relative values versus its odor threshold levels in order to select ones effective for the quality of the odor. As a result, 12 selected components were found to be a useful set for the recognition of mice bred under different stress conditions. The present results may provide useful information for the development of standard fecal odor materials that may be used for the training of mouse care personnel. © 2013 Japanese Association for Laboratory Animal Science.