Acclimation & testing periods
Ages Mice were acclimated at the HLB facility for 3 wks and tested at 11-wks of age Feed LabDiet 5K52 (6% fat) during the acclimation period Water Autoclaved and adjusted with hydrochloric acid to pH 2.8-3.1 and supplemented with menadione sodium bisulfite (final concentration 0.4 mg/ml) to compensate for potential decrease in vitamin K activity upon autoclaving; water supplied in pinhole type bottles (Thoren Caging Systems, Inc. Hazelton, PA) ad-libitum Housing Thoren cages; Thoren Maxi Miser #3 cages with a PIV (pressurized individually ventilated) system Bedding Steam autoclaved white pine shavings from Crobb Box Co. of Ellsworth, ME Photoperiod 12/12 Light/Dark; beginning at 6 AM Temperature 18-24°C Relative humidity ~50% Health status Sentinel mice were periodically examined throughout the study and were free of microbiological infections; for additional information