FAQ

Barrier Packed products contain cups or pouches inside of a medical grade tyvek bag. This saves labor by eliminating the need to wash individual cups or pouches.

• HydroGel® (8, 6 and 2 oz cup)

• DietGel® 76A, Recovery (6 and 2 oz) and Boost

Similar to chocolate in chocolate milk, non-soluble minerals settle on the bottom of the DietGel Recovery, showing up as white specs or clumps. The non-soluble minerals do not affect the nutritional integrity of the product, making it 100% safe to use for your research animal.

Colour variation occurs during our sterilization process. When DietGel Recovery is produced the color is a milky white. The product is then sterilized. The irradiation process changes the product color from a milky white to a caramel color. Product position within the chamber results in color variation. The entire product is 100% sterile and safe to use.

The amount of HydroGel required is dependent on the species of animal, the number of days in transit, and the number of animals.

Daily water consumption differs by animal. Please note many factors such as ambient temperature, animal weight and environmental conditions impact the daily water consumption. The suggested values listed below should be used as a guideline for the frequently shipped animals.

The number of days in transit also impacts the amount of hydration. Determine the number of days the animal will be in transit, then add one (1) day in the event of unexpected delay. For example, a three (3) day shipment will require at least four (4) days of hydration. Multiplying the daily water consumption by the duration of travel plus one extra day provides the amount of hydration required for one animal. Hydration for more than one animal is calculated by multiplying the hydration requirement for one animal by the number of animals being shipped.

DietGel Recovery is an excellent choice as a hydration source when shipping mice and rats. Many sites have successfully used DietGel Recovery during transport of rodents who arrive dry, healthy and require less time to acclimate. DietGel Recovery is sterile purified water gel containing 60% water. It is fortified with calories and minerals and provides 155 kcals/ 100 grams.

When shipping guinea pigs we recommend using HydroGel. In a recent study conducted by Charles River Laboratories, consumption and weight loss of guinea pigs during transit was significantly better with HydroGel compared to a sweetened gel. The study showed that animals consumed more HydroGel, therefore preventing body weight loss and decreasing clinical pathologic indicators of dehydration.

DietGel 76A is a new soft diet with a full complement of carbohydrate, fat and protein. It is fortified with both AIN mineral and vitamin mix. A superior alternative to mash diet, DietGel 76A can be used as the sole source of nutrition and hydration for long periods of time, reducing time and labor costs.

DietGel Recovery is a nutrient fortified hydration gel designed to provide compromised rodents a palatable source of hydration and energy and is an excellent solution for:

• Breeding and weaning of pups
• Post-surgical support
• Neurologically compromised rodents
• EAE models
• Transgenic Mice
• Shipping

Carbohydrates, fat and smaller amounts of protein provide the source of calories in DietGel Recovery. Because the formula does not contain vitamins and has lower levels of protein than standard diets, it is not recommended as a sole source of nutrition for long periods of time. For a sole source of nutrition use DietGel^® 76A.

Both DietGel^® Recovery and 76A are formulated with purified ingredients free from contaminants that can be found in grain-based products.

Unopened ClearH20 products are designed to be stored at room temperature and do not require special handling. Typical shelf life for ClearH20 products ranges from 12 to 18 months.

Unlike water bottles and mash diets, gels provide a consistent amount of hydration and nutrition without wetting the animal. While particularly useful when transporting animals, HydroGel^®, and DietGel^® are also great choices for recovering animals and special needs animals who require consistent, easy-to-consume diet support. In addition, gels take the variables out of animal nutrition, therefore protecting results.