Zootechnics of laboratory hamsters

One of the most common types of rodents kept in the laboratory and used as test systems for research is the Syrian hamster. At the same time, a responsible approach to the conditions of accommodation, as well as to feeding and reproduction of this species of animals guarantees a healthy population, which, in turn, is necessary for the correct interpretation of the data obtained during the experiments. The purpose of this review is to conduct a traditional analysis of the scientific literature on the animal science of laboratory hamsters. The search for publications was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The review included publications available for search on February — May 2024. The review examines the zootechnical aspects of keeping a Syrian hamster in a research laboratory, including the recommended parameters of maintenance cells, microclimate conditions, including temperature, humidity, ventilation and lighting, as well as nutrient requirements and reproduction features of this animal species. Proper maintenance and feeding of hamsters used in research are of great importance for animal welfare, the collection of reliable research data, for the health and safety of animal care personnel, growth, reproduction and the health of the animals themselves. When analyzing the literature data, the main recommendations for the maintenance of Syrian hamsters in laboratory conditions were collected, taking into account all zootechnical needs for their placement and reproduction.