ABSTRACT

Introduction:

While working with a group of animals, it is important to identify each animal. This is of great importance in experiments using many animals. Many marking methods are used for this purpose in experimental studies.

Materials and Methods:

We used many marking methods in a study that was performed in diabetic rats, but none of them were sufficient. Finally we used hair dye for marking. We dyed one of the four extremities and the back of the animal. The procedure was performed with a tooth brush. We gave a specific number to the every rat according to the dyed portions in prone position. We named them as follows: number 1 undyed rat, number 2 back of the rat, number 3 right upper extremity, number 4 left upper extremity, number 5 right lower extremity, and number 6 left lower extremity

Results:

We followed the 72 rats in standard conditions for 11 weeks. There was a minimal paleness at the end of the eleventh week, but all dyed parts were easily distinguishable. We did not need to apply dye again during the experiment.

Discussion:

The use of hair dye for marking is effective and easy for long duration experiments.