At what age does a female rat become sexually mature?

A female rat becomes sexually mature at approximately 2 to 3 months of age. This maturity is marked by the onset of estrus, during which the female becomes receptive to mating and is capable of reproducing. The reproductive cycle in female rats is closely tied to their age, health, and environmental factors. In the early stages of their lives, rats undergo significant growth and development, during which their physiological systems mature, allowing for reproductive capabilities.

Understanding this developmental timeline is crucial for various fields, including veterinary science, animal care, and research that involves rodent models, as it informs breeding practices and experimental design.