Selecting Correct Gavage Needle Size

Choosing the right gavage needle is essential to ensure safe and effective dosing, and it largely depends on the species, weight, and age of the rodent. At GavageNeedle.com, we offer a wide range of high-quality, reusable oral gavage needles to match your lab’s needs.

Here is a document from George Washington university that provides guidelines on gavage needles sizes based on animal weight. Click Here to access the article 

 

Weight range (g)	Gauge	Length (inches)	Ball Diameter (mm)	Shape
to 14 gms	24	1"	1 1/4 mm	Straight, Curved
15-20 gms	22	1", 1 1/2"	1 1/4 mm	Straight, Curved
20-25 gms	20	1", 1 1/2",2"	2 1/4 mm	Straight, Curved
25-30 gms	18	1", 1 1/2",2"	2 1/4 mm	Straight, Curved
30-35 gms	18	2", 3"	2 1/4 mm	Straight, Curved

Weight (g) of rat	Gauge	Length (in)	Ball Diameter (mm)	Shape
50-75	20	1-1.5	2.25	Straight/Curved
75-100	18	1-1.5	2.25	Curved
100-200	18	2-3	2.25	Curved
200-300	16	3-4	3	Curved

 

For rats, you'll typically use a thicker gauge:

• Small rats between 50–100g often require a 20G or 18G needle.

• Rats from 100–200g typically benefit from an 18G needle with added length (2–3").

• Larger rats (200–300g) may need a 16G needle, especially for higher volumes or thicker solutions.

Always choose the needle length to match the esophageal distance—from the rodent’s mouth to the sternum—to prevent aspiration or injury.

 

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