The Gray Short-Tailed Opossum (Monodelphis-Domestica) as a Model Didelphid Species for Genetic Research

Abstract

The gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) has been established as a laboratory animal that can be produced economically in large numbers under simple husbandry conditions. The high fecundity of this species has enabled it to be widely distributed to laboratories in the U.S.A. and Europe, and to be exploited experimentally in a diverse array of scientific disciplines. Partially inbred strains produced by full sib matings have reached the F8 generation. Several genetic markers have been identified, and further work in this area will enhance the value of the species as a model didelphid marsupial for basic and biomedical genetic research.