Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which animal must have vitamin C supplied in its diet?

1. Rats

2. Guinea pigs

3. Hamsters

4. Mice

The correct answer is: Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs must have vitamin C supplied in their diet because they lack the ability to synthesize this essential nutrient. Unlike some other animals, which can produce sufficient vitamin C through their liver, guinea pigs require it to be provided through their food or supplements. This is critical for their overall health, as vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen formation, immune function, and the prevention of scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Other animals mentioned, such as rats, hamsters, and mice, are capable of synthesizing their own vitamin C. Therefore, while they may benefit from dietary sources of this vitamin, it is not as critical as it is for guinea pigs, making them less dependent on its supplementation in their diet.