Genetic monitoring of laboratory mouse colonies in the medical research council accreditation scheme for the suppliers of laboratory animals

Abstract

A method of analysing mandible samples using 4 discriminant functions to describe mandible shape, and plotting the samples on control charts, as used in industrial quality control, is described. Repeated samples from 3 different colonies gave consistent results, with only occasional samples 'out of control'. 5 known 'illegitimate' samples were correctly rejected, and 3 out of 4 'legitimate' samples were accepted as belonging to stock LACA. In the 4th case lack of fit was attributed to subline-differentiation. This method of genetic analysis is practical for the large-scale genetic monitoring of laboratory mouse strains and stocks, and a Genetic Monitoring Scheme is being offered to commercial breeders.