Mouse identification
- Ear punch: Ear notches or holes produced by an ear punch device. Used for wean age or older mice to create a unique identifier. Common ear numbering systems:
- Universal mouse numbering system (.pdf), unique identifiers for all animals in your colony
- Alternative numbering system (.pdf), unique identifiers for a single litter within one cage
- Ear tag: A metal ID tag placed in the mouse ear pinna with a special applicator. For mice wean age or older. Ear tags may fall out or be torn out over time.
Vendors and product information: National Band and Tag Company; Kent Scientific Corporation - Tattoo: FDA approved pigment on the tail, toe or ear to identify mice of any age. Typically used for neonatal mice. Consult your institution’s ACUC for accepted protocols.
Vendors and product information: Braintree Scientific, Inc., Fine Scientific Tools, Animal Identification and Marking Systems - Microchip implant: Small subcutaneous devices that transmit a unique identification code. For wean age or older mice. Mice may need to be anesthetized or sedated for implantation. Consult your institutional ACUC guidelines.
Vendors and product information: Bio Medic Data Systems, Inc.; AVID; Kent Scientific Corporation; NONATEC
