This document provides information about the hamster animal model commonly used for biomedical research. It discusses two species of hamsters, the Syrian and Chinese hamsters. Hamsters are the third most commonly used laboratory animal and are useful models for virus infection studies, vaccine development, and cancer research due to anatomical advantages like their cheek pouches. The document also outlines appropriate handling procedures to minimize stress for hamsters during experiments.

1. EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORY
ANIMAL ‘HAMSTER’
By- Kanika Negi
NOIDA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY (PHARMACY INSTITUTE)

2. HAMSTER (Mesocricetus auratus)
★ Order- Rodentia
★ Subfamily- Cricetinae
★ 2 species commonly used:
Syrian hamster (golden)
Chinese hamster(stripped back)
★ 3rd most commonly used animal in
biomedical research.

3. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
★ Hamsters are used extensively in slow virus ( scrapie, chronic measles,etc), type C, influenza
virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV studies) and vaccine production (foot and mouth).
★ Chinese hamsters are useful for cytogenesis research.
★ Syrian hamsters are most commonly used in biomedical research because of availability and
ease of production.
★ Due to anatomical advantages, cheek pouches donot have any intact lymphatic drainage and
hence, they are an ideal site for tissue transplants (tumors, grafts,etc)
★ They have a characteristic cheek pouch which is used for collection or transport of food
materials.

4. ★ Respiration rate-
★ Pulse rate-
★ Lifespan-
★ Gestation period-
80 to 150 breaths per minute
250 to 600 beats per minute
Syrian Hamster-2 to 3 years
Chinese Hamsters-1.5 to 2.5 years
Syrian hamster- 16 to 18 days
Chinese hamster-18 to 21 days
3 to 4 weeks of age
6 to 8 weeks of age-
Normal temperature- 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius
★ Weaning age-
★ Mating age-
★
★ Weight- Adult Male- 120 to 150 grams
Adult female-100 to 125 grams

5. Golden hamster

6. HANDLING PROCEDURES
Handling hamsters during an experiment should be done with care to
ensure the well-being of the animals and to minimize stress:
1.Approach the hamster slowly and calmly to avoid startling it. Avoid
loud noises and sudden movements.
2.To pick up a hamster, you can use a small, clean container like a
cup or scoop to gently guide the hamster into your hand. Place one
hand under the hamster and the other hand on its back for support.
Avoid squeezing the hamster.
3.Support the hamster's entire body with your hands. Make sure not
to drop or mishandle the hamster, as they are small and delicate.
4.Handle the hamster gently, and avoid squeezing or restraining it
tightly. Never pick up a hamster by its tail, as this can cause injury.
5.After handling, gently place the hamster back into its cage.

7. Refrences
 Clifford CB, Simmons JH. 7The Laboratory Hamster. The clinical chemistry of laboratory
animals. 2017 Oct 18.
 Tambare P, Murkunde Y. The Laboratory Hamster. Essentials of Laboratory Animal
Science: Principles and Practices. 2021:253-75.
 Rossi P, Pozio E, Besse MG, Gomez Morales MA, La Rosa G. Experimental
cryptosporidiosis in hamsters. Journal of clinical microbiology. 1990 Feb;28(2):356-7.
 Winnicker C, Pritchett-Corning KR, Coleman K, Schapiro SJ. Behavioral biology of
hamsters. InBehavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals 2021 Aug 11 (pp. 165-171). Boca
Raton, FL: CRC Press.