Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Gerbils are part of the sub-family ''Gerbillinae'' which is part of the ''Rodentia'' order. There are approximately 100 species of gerbil in 14 genera from all over the world but in laboratory testing, as well as for keeping as a pet, the mongolian gerbil is the most common. The mongolian gerbil or 'jird', ''Meriones unguichulatus'' is commonly used for these purposes as they are known for having several characteristics that make them desirable over other species of gerbil. These inclue a very non-aggressive nature, a lower incidence than other species of spontaneous disease, a lack of odour and a monogamous mating behaviour. Some other species have been used for testing, although this is not common. The mongolian gerbil was introduced as a laboratory testing animal in 1963.

Gerbils are part of the sub-family ''Gerbillinae'' which is part of the ''Rodentia'' order. There are approximately 100 species of gerbil in 14 genera from all over the world but in laboratory testing, as well as for keeping as a pet, the mongolian gerbil is the most common. The mongolian gerbil or 'jird', ''Meriones unguichulatus'' is commonly used for these purposes as they are known for having several characteristics that make them desirable over other species of gerbil. These inclue a very non-aggressive nature, a lower incidence than other species of spontaneous disease, a lack of odour and a monogamous mating behaviour. Some other species have been used for testing, although this is not common. The mongolian gerbil was introduced as a laboratory testing animal in 1963, although they only make up 0.5% of the total number of laboratory rodents used annually.

==Strains and Stocks==

==Strains and Stocks==