What is Rat and Mouse IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a multistep assisted reproductive technology (ART) that allows for handling gametes outside the body. This bypasses the natural fertilization process, enabling fertilization in a petri dish. The embryos produced can be handled and manipulated from the earliest stages of development and implanted into high-health-status surrogate females.
Consequently, large numbers of embryos can be produced on demand, genetically modified with relative ease due to accessibility from the time of fertilization. Furthermore, they can be sorted for optimal morphology, thereby increasing the likelihood of producing pups following implantation and increasing experimental success rates.
Mouse IVF is widely used to rescue lines, rapidly expand colonies, generate embryos, recover cryopreserved models, and maintain high health standards through rederivation.
Rat IVF* can be used for line rescue, rapid colony expansion, and to ensure high health standards through rederivation.
Introducing Rat IVF
Charles River is the first and only provider of rat IVF in North America. This service leverages the ability to perform fertilization outside the body and to manipulate embryos in a dish from the time of fertilization. By refining existing rat IVF protocols, this process has been optimized to be performed consistently and reliably within typical laboratory timelines.
Our new rat IVF capability provides similar advantages to those in mice: the production of a large number of developmentally synchronized embryos, easy access to embryos for genetic modification, and increased experimental success rates due to preselection of embryos based on optimal morphology.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER
Take 40% Off Rat IVF
We're committed to making in vivo study resources accessible via rat IVF, whether for line rescue or rapid colony expansion, and to ensure high health standards through rederivation. Contact Us to Discuss Your Project
* Rat IVF is available in North America only.
How Rat and Mouse IVF Can Strengthen Your Research
When breeding timelines threaten to delay your study
Traditional breeding can slow studies. IVF offers a faster, more reliable way to generate embryos and stay on track.
When precise genetic models are critical to your research
IVF enables access to embryos at fertilization, making it ideal for CRISPR‡ and other gene-editing tools to efficiently create targeted disease models.
When colony health and biosecurity are non-negotiable
Combining IVF with rederivation removes pathogens, helping maintain healthy mouse and rat colonies while protecting animal welfare and data quality.
When preserving valuable genetic lines matters for the long term
IVF enables long-term cryopreservation of rodent genetics, preserving unique strains and allowing recovery when needed, without repeated breeding.
‡ CRISPR/CAS9 is used under licenses to granted and pending US and international patents from The Broad Institute and ERS Genomics Limited.
CASE STUDY
Rapid Expansion of Genetically Engineered Models via Large-scale IVF
See how Solid Biosciences gained rapid, reliable access to age-matched animals with elite health status, without building infrastructure, by partnering with Charles River for coordinated IVF and colony management, all within a one-year timeline. Download
Advantages of Working with Charles River on Your Next Rodent IVF Project
Charles River combines scientific expertise, proven processes, and digital transparency to support your IVF projects from start to finish.
Proven IVF expertise
Decades of experience delivering reliable rodent IVF support across a broad range of strains, meeting diverse study needs and high health standards.
Custom support
Each IVF project is tailored by our experts to your specific needs, with dedicated project management support throughout.
End-to-end visibility through a digital colony management platform
Track your mouse and rat models, monitor colony status, and follow IVF project progress through Charles River’s ICM digital platform.
Bundle the Right Services for Your Research Program
Your research project doesn't stop with cryopreservation. We can help you bundle the right package for the next steps in your research.
| Colony Management | Embryology | Cryopreservation | Speed Congenics |
| • Housing and breeding • Husbandry services • Health monitoring • Dedicated project management • Internet Colony Management (ICM®) | • Rapid colony development • Model creation • Line rescue • MEA testing | • Strategic plan • Rat and mouse embryos • Mouse sperm • IVF recovery • Back-up storage | • Timeline reduced by 25% • 40% fewer animals required • Reduced cost • Reduced risk |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rat and Mouse IVF and Rapid Colony Development
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Why should I use rat and mouse IVF instead of traditional breeding?
IVF allows for faster colony expansion, can rescue rare or infertile lines, and can restore lines through rederivation.
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How is IVF done in mice?
In mouse IVF, females are super-ovulated through hormone injection to synchronize ovulation and increase oocyte yields. Oocytes and sperm are collected from the donor animals, combined in a dish, and cultured in a controlled environment for approximately 24 hours.
Once cultured, healthy, morphologically normal two-cell stage embryos are selected and transferred into surrogate females. This helps researchers rapidly expand colonies, preserve valuable models, and save time. -
What is rapid mouse IVF?
Rapid mouse IVF is an optimized, accelerated process designed to produce embryos and expand colonies more quickly than traditional mouse breeding.
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What is the difference between traditional breeding and rat and mouse IVF?
Feature Traditional Breeding Mouse IVF Rat IVF Scale Dozens of pups Hundreds to thousands of pups 50+ pups Starting Models Several males and females As few as two males* As few as two males* Timeline Several months As little as 12 weeks As little as 12 weeks Use Cases Basic colony expansion Large-scale expansion,
rederivation,
study-ready, line rescueExpansion, rederivation, line rescue Health Status As determined VAF/Elite® SOPF VAF/Elite® SPF *Male requirements are dependent on the IVF scale goal.
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What is the expected health status of the offspring produced through Mouse IVF?
All offspring generated through IVF are considered rederived VAF/Elite® (SOPF).
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Can Charles River both scale our colonies and handle breeding and maintenance?
Yes. We can support your project by scaling up, breeding, and maintaining your colonies. Alternatively, we can ship the animals to your facility to establish your own colony.
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Will I be able to manage my animal colony remotely?
Yes. With our Internet Colony Management (ICM) system, you can track the progress of the IVF and monitor all offspring produced in real time.
Managing an animal company is a complex undertaking. Our guidebook provides information on colony management, genetic monitoring, and embryology techniques required to protect your research.