Which two laboratory animal species require Vitamin C in their diet?

Which two laboratory animal species require Vitamin C in their diet?

• A. Rats and mice
• B. Guinea pigs and nonhuman primates
• C. Ferrets and cats
• D. Dogs and rabbits

Answer: (B)

Guinea pigs and nonhuman primates are unique among laboratory animal species because they cannot synthesize Vitamin C internally. This essential vitamin must be included in their diet to prevent deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues, such as scurvy, characterized by symptoms like lethargy, skin lesions, and poor healing. Unlike guinea pigs and nonhuman primates, other species listed, such as rats, mice, ferrets, cats, dogs, and rabbits, have the metabolic capability to produce Vitamin C from glucose or other carbohydrates, making it unnecessary to add it directly to their diet. Therefore, the necessity of Vitamin C supplementation in the diets of guinea pigs and nonhuman primates is a crucial consideration in their care and management in laboratory settings.

Guinea pigs and nonhuman primates are unique among laboratory animal species because they cannot synthesize Vitamin C internally. This essential vitamin must be included in their diet to prevent deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues, such as scurvy, characterized by symptoms like lethargy, skin lesions, and poor healing.

Unlike guinea pigs and nonhuman primates, other species listed, such as rats, mice, ferrets, cats, dogs, and rabbits, have the metabolic capability to produce Vitamin C from glucose or other carbohydrates, making it unnecessary to add it directly to their diet. Therefore, the necessity of Vitamin C supplementation in the diets of guinea pigs and nonhuman primates is a crucial consideration in their care and management in laboratory settings.