SELECTIVE BREEDING

EXPERIMENTS WITH
RODENTS IN EXERCISE
PHYSIOLOGY
PE MAJOR 4
INTRODUCTION

Selective breeding experiments with rodents in exercise

physiology are experiments in which rodents, such as mice or
rats, are selectively bred for certain physical traits related to
exercise performance or endurance. These traits may include
aerobic capacity, muscle mass, or running endurance, among
others.
 BACKGROUND
BRIEF HISTORY OF SEELECTIVE BREEDING EXPERIMENTS WITH RODENTS

In the 1920s and 1930s, researchers began selectively breeding rats and mice for high levels of
physical activity, such as wheel running..
 BACKGROUND
BRIEF HISTORY OF SEELECTIVE BREEDING EXPERIMENTS WITH RODENTS

in the 1970s and 1980s, there was a renewed interest in selective breeding experiments with
rodents in exercise physiology.

One of the earliest and most influential studies in this area was conducted by Dr. Theodore
Garland Jr. and colleagues at the University of California, Riverside.

high running capacity low running capacity

BENEFITS OF SELECTIVE BREEDING EXPERIMENTS

Understanding the genetic basis of exercise-

related traits
Developing animal models for studying
exercise physiology
Identifying potential targets for drug
development
Improving animal welfare and breeding
efficiency
 EXAMPLE OF SELECTING BREEDING
EXPERIMENTS

1. High- and low-running mice

2. Lean and obese Zucker rats
3. High- and low-capacity runner rats
 CONCLUSION
SELECTIVE BREEDING EXPERIMENTS WITH RODENTS
IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY HAVE BEEN A VALUABLE
TOOL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE GENETIC AND
PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING
EXERCISE PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH, AND HAVE
THE POTENTIAL TO LEAD TO IMPORTANT
1 Billion
ADVANCES IN DRUG DEVELOPMENT, ANIMAL
WELFARE, AND HUMAN HEALTH OUTCOMES.
THANK YOU!!!
.