How are Caesarean-derived mammals categorized?

Caesarean-derived mammals are categorized based on the method of delivery, which is through surgical means, specifically a Caesarean section. This method is often employed to minimize stress and ensure the health of both the mother and offspring, particularly in research settings where the genetic or specific microbiological status of the animals is crucial to the outcomes. By delivering the offspring surgically, researchers can also control the environment more effectively, providing a greater degree of sterility and reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens which may be present in a natural birth process.

In this context, while some animals might be raised in sterile conditions or might be specifically bred for research purposes, these characteristics are not what define them as Caesarean-derived. Instead, the focus is on the surgical method of delivery itself, which allows for the careful management of the neonatal environment, ultimately leading to more consistent and reliable research outcomes.