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Standardization of Laboratory Animal Diets and Feed Protocols

Abstract

This systematic review examines the critical role of standardized laboratory animal diets in ensuring research reproducibility and validity. Analyzing peer-reviewed literature from 2015-2024, the study explores how diet formulation impacts biochemical and toxicological outcomes across various laboratory species. Key findings reveal that standardized reference diets significantly improve result consistency while supporting animal welfare. The review identifies challenges in cross-species diet standardization and evaluates the benefits and limitations of custom versus purified diets. Quality control emerges as a crucial component of feed standardization, with contaminants potentially introducing significant experimental variability. The paper concludes with recommendations for research institutions to adopt purified-ingredient diets with robust quality control protocols to enhance research reliability while maintaining ethical standards in animal care. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundation for improving diet protocols in laboratory settings to advance scientific research integrity.

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References

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Citation

Ishola, O., Onyemaobi, U., Ahmed, R. O., & Omotoso, O. S. (2025). Standardization of Laboratory Animal Diets and Feed Protocols. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCHOLARLY RESOURCES, 18(2).