Our experiences with breeding of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in captivity
Job, C.K.; Sanchez, R.M.; Diggs, C.; Hunt, R.; Stewart, M.; Hastings, R.C.
Indian Journal of Leprosy 59(3): 239-246
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0254-9395 PMID: 3440844 Document Number: 298744
The nine-banded armadillo is considered the best animal model in the study of leprosy. Armadillos have never been successfully bred in the laboratory and therefore animals required for the experiments are captured from the wild and are likely to carry many diseases including leprosy. An attempt was made to breed them in captivity. Our attempt to house them in various combinations in their natural environment in the farmlands of Louisiana was successful. Although a significant increase in conception and delivery was recorded, consistent breeding of the animals was not obtained.