Mouse

A new method to replace oral gavage for the study of Cryptosporidium infection in mice

Oral gavage is a widely used method to infect mice with Cryptosporidium parvum (CP), the most common animal model of infection. Cryptosporidium spp. are worldwide distributed, gastrointestinal parasites that mainly cause diarrhea in humans and neonatal ruminants. CP is transmitted...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Drug/Substance AdministrationAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Fumuso, F. G., Salomon, C. E., O’Connor, R. M. 2025. A new method to replace oral gavage for the study of Cryptosporidium infection in mice. Laboratory Animals 59(5), 593–598.

Evaluating cervical dislocation methods, without using tension on the tail, for humanely killing adult laboratory mice

Cervical dislocation (CD) is a widely used method worldwide for humanely killing adult laboratory mice in accordance with national legislation, such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in the UK. However, concerns have been raised regarding the limitations and...

Year Published: 2025Topics: EuthanasiaAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Davidge, A., Bulat, F., Vernet, A. 2025. Evaluating cervical dislocation methods, without using tension on the tail, for humanely killing adult laboratory mice. Laboratory Animals 59(5), 570–577.

Using machine learning and predictive artificial intelligence to determine cage change frequency for mice housed in individually ventilated cages and drive vivarium operational efficiency

A standard 2-wk cage change frequency for individually ventilated mouse cages is used in many research facilities, with negligible effects on animal health and welfare. However, these techniques rely on subjective visual evaluations and often require spot changes. In this...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Collins, J. M., Singh, B., Zwick, M. E. et al. 2025. Using machine learning and predictive artificial intelligence to determine cage change frequency for mice housed in individually ventilated cages and drive vivarium operational efficiency. JAALAS 64(4), 682–695.

Non-aversive handling in laboratory animals and its effects on depressive-like and anxiety-related behaviors: A scoping review

Stress is an adaptive response to environmental demands, but increased intensity and frequency can lead to impaired adaptive functions. Stress is considered a risk factor for Major Depressive Disorder, a multifactorial disorder that often coexists with anxiety. Picking up laboratory...

Year Published: 2025Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Castro de Jesus, L., S․ Rodrigues, A. L. 2025. Non-aversive handling in laboratory animals and its effects on depressive-like and anxiety-related behaviors: A scoping review. Physiology & Behavior 294, 114883.

Optimization of ketamine/xylazine anesthesia in geriatric mice

Aged mice are becoming increasingly important models for human senescence. Many studies require anesthesia. Standard rodent ketamine/xylazine injectable regimens have been associated with increased incidences of death, unreliable surgical planes, and prolonged recoveries in geriatric mice. We hypothesized that the...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Beecy, S., Meuse, D., Kizielewicz, N. et al. 2025. Optimization of ketamine/xylazine anesthesia in geriatric mice. JAALAS 64(4), 778–787.

Differential long-term effects of physical, social, and psychological stressors in male mice: Down-regulation of inflammatory markers and unresponsiveness of the antioxidant system

The long-term molecular consequences associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are poorly understood. Our study examined the long-term (up to five months) metabolic consequences of acute and chronic traumatic factors, including physical (2-hour restraint), psychological (predator sound), and social (social...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Restraint, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Balatskyi, V., Gospodaryov, D., Abrat, O. et al. 2025. Differential long-term effects of physical, social, and psychological stressors in male mice: Down-regulation of inflammatory markers and unresponsiveness of the antioxidant system. Physiology & Behavior 301, 115065.

Germinating a novel idea to rodent heat support

An external heat source is frequently used to help rodents maintain optimal body temperature. The current gold standard for providing heat support to laboratory rodents is circulating warm water blankets. However, these come with certain drawbacks, including cost, the need...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & Management, Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Mouse, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Glaspell, S., Welch Jernigan, R. 2025. Germinating a novel idea to rodent heat support. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 13(3) (May/June), 23-24.

Automated facial feature evaluation system to prevent stress of head fixed mice

Head fixation of rodents is a widely utilized and important technique that enables laboratories to measure brain activity during behavior, but head fixation can increase stress which affects both behavior and underlying brain activity, as well as animal welfare. It...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Nasr, A., Rettinger, G., Mansvelder, H. D. et al. 2025. Automated facial feature evaluation system to prevent stress of head fixed mice. PLOS ONE 20(6), e0322530.

Enrichment for stud males in MRC Ares

Sometimes within the laboratory environment mice may be housed on their own for example when being used as studs for cryopreservation. As these animals do not have a companion for enrichment it is important that these mice are provided with...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: McCool, J. 2025. Enrichment for stud males in MRC Ares. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 149–150.

Body condition scoring and weighing—Going combo!

Evaluating an animal’s nutritional status and overall fitness ensures its welfare. While weight is often used as a single proxy for overall fitness, it may not capture changes in muscle or fat mass on its own. This is why body...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: McClenaghan, M., Galichet, C., Murphy, S. et al. 2025. Body condition scoring and weighing—Going combo! Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 138–140.