Abstract:
A new and simple method of detecting mated female albino rats was developed and tested for precision and accuracy.The method involved the gross observation of grey to yellowish protein coagulates (remnants of the copulatory plug) on vaginal smears of mated females made on cleanglass slides. Results of test of the new method showed that the mean length of time betweenobservation of the protein coagulates on vaginal smears and delivery o the mated pregnantemales was 21.39 ± 0.11 days (range = 20 – 23 days, n = 58),which concurred with the normal21-day gestation length orats. The coefficient ovariation (CV)of imprecision of the new methodwas found to be 3.74 %. This new method is simple, easy to apply and does not interfere with fertilization and pregnancy, and also does not involve either the use of specially designed rat cagesor microscopy of vaginal smears, which were the constraints of the former methods of confirming mating in rats
