Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which type of animal housing room is kept cooler than rodent housing rooms?

1. Feline rooms

2. Canine rooms

3. Rabbit rooms

4. Exotic bird rooms

The correct answer is: Rabbit rooms

The correct choice is rabbit rooms. Rabbit housing areas are typically designed to maintain a cooler environment for several reasons related to the health and welfare of the animals. Rabbits are more sensitive to heat compared to rodents, and they can easily suffer from heat stress, which can lead to severe health complications. As a result, facilities housing rabbits often include specific climate control measures, such as improved ventilation and air conditioning, to ensure the temperature remains at a lower range than that of rodent housing. In contrast, rooms designated for canines and felines might not require the same strict temperature regulations because these species can tolerate a wider range of temperatures. Additionally, exotic bird rooms may also need specific humidity and temperature controls but are typically not cooler than rabbit rooms. The design of rabbit rooms reflects an understanding of the unique physiological needs of rabbits, leading to the requirement for a cooler housing environment.