Top Rodent Producing Countries

Rodents, a diverse order of mammals including mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and others, have been domesticated and raised by humans for thousands of years. The domestication of rodents began with the ancient Egyptians, who kept mice as pets and for religious purposes, and the Incas, who domesticated guinea pigs in the Andes for food and ceremonial use over 7,000 years ago. In modern times, the top countries raising rodents vary by species and purpose. China and the United States are major centers for breeding laboratory mice and rats, crucial for biomedical research, while Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador are leading producers of guinea pigs, which remain an important source of protein and income. Additionally, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Japan have significant rodent breeding industries, both for research and the pet trade. The domestication and purposeful breeding of rodents have played a vital role in scientific advancement, agriculture, and nutrition across the globe.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat