Irradiated Sani-chip Bedding

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) is seeking contact bedding for primary enclosures used to house animal species at the research vivarium facilities. The bedding should provide substrate for resting and sleeping, absorb moisture, minimize the growth of microorganisms, and enhance animal well-being. The following are the key features of the required bedding: • Provide substrate for resting and sleeping • Absorb moisture, minimize the growth of microorganisms, and dilute and limit animals' contact with excreta • Enhance animal well-being by providing animals with sensory and motor stimulation • Facilitate in-animal thermoregulation The NCTR has a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the analysis of particle size of hardwood chips, which includes using a sieve shaker to determine the particle size of hardwood chips.