Rabbit

Handling effects on body weight and behaviour of group-housed male rabbits in a laboratory setting

To assess the rabbit's coping strategy we performed a tonic immobility test, human-approach test, open-field test and a novel-object test. The results are that handling has no effect on body weight during the experimental period. Handling led to a more...

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Verwer, C. M., van Amerongen, G., van den Bos, R. et al. 2009. Handling effects on body weight and behaviour of group-housed male rabbits in a laboratory setting. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 117, 93-102.

Effects of human handling on adult laboratory rabbit behavior

Study illustrates the potential for human handling to reduce fear of humans, neophobia, or both in laboratory rabbits.

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Swennes, A. G., Alworth, L. C., Harvey, S. B. et al. 2009. Effects of human handling on adult laboratory rabbit behavior. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 105-106 (Abstract).

Studies and snack bites

Veterinary technician Evelyn Skoumbourdis and environmental enrichment coordinator Casey Coke Murphy discuss proper feeding of small laboratory mammals.

Year Published: 2009Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Rabbit, Rodent

Citation: Skoumbourdis, E., Coke Murphy, C. 2009. Studies and snack bites. Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) Quarterly 58(1) Winter, 12-13.

Effect of footrests on the incidence of ulcerative pododermatitis in domestic rabbit does

A plastic platform or slatted footrest on the wire mesh prevented sore hocks.

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Rosell, J. M., de la Fuente, L. F. 2009. Effect of footrests on the incidence of ulcerative pododermatitis in domestic rabbit does. Animal Welfare 18, 199-204.

Organic wheatgrass as environmental enrichment

Environmental enrichment must be provided for the various animal species that are housed in laboratory animal facilities. Wheatgrass can be used as a natural form of enrichment that requires minimal preparation and effort. Wheatgrass is appropriate enrichment for cats, rabbits,...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Bird, Cat, Chicken, Finch, Guinea Pig, Mouse, Other Bird, Parrot, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Brown, C. 2010. Organic wheatgrass as environmental enrichment. Lab Animal 39(3), 74-75.

Innovative social rabbit housing

While female rabbits can be safely cohoused, aggression and resulting fight wounds preclude cohousing males. However, males may still benefit from social enrichment. Currently no housing systems provide males a safe opportunity for social interaction. The innovative social housing investigated...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Lofgren, J. L., Wrong, C., Hayward, A. et al. 2010. Innovative social rabbit housing. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 659 (Abstract #PS13).

From dog kennels to rabbit housing: Complete cage makeover encompasses behavioral enrichment for laboratory rabbits

A major objective of our behavioral management committee was to improve rabbit housing in our large academic research institution. As our dog population decreased, we were left with several rooms of empty stainless steel kennel runs. With minor modifications, we...

Year Published: 2010Topics: HousingAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Leming, J. T., Jensen, E., Plate, G. 2010. From dog kennels to rabbit housing: Complete cage makeover encompasses behavioral enrichment for laboratory rabbits. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 659 (Abstract #PS14).

The COST Manual of Laboratory Animal Care and Use: Refinement, Reduction, and Research (1st Ed)

COST Action B-24 established four working groups to research and discuss issues relevant to laboratory animal science. These included the housing of animals, environmental needs, refinement of procedures, genetically modified animals, and cost-benefit analysis. Based on the groups' findings, The...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Euthanasia, Handling, Housing, Regulations & Ethical Review, Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Mouse, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Howard, B., Nevalainen, T., Perretta, G. (ed). 2010. The COST Manual of Laboratory Animal Care and Use: Refinement, Reduction, and Research (1st Ed). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th Ed.)

The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents provides concise, up - to - date, reasonably comprehensive information to anyone concerned with the health, care, and management of rabbits and rodents. The book is intended for veterinarians, students, technicians, scientists,...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Husbandry & Management, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Harkness, J. E., Turner, P. V., Vande Woude, S. et al. 2010. Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th Ed.). Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.

Covance animal environmental enrichment programme: In-house enrichment items, their benefits and the process of implementation

Some enrichment objects for rats, rabbits, dogs and macaques are demonstrated.

Year Published: 2010Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog, Macaque, Nonhuman Primate, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Emmott, M. 2010. Covance animal environmental enrichment programme: In-house enrichment items, their benefits and the process of implementation. Animal Technology and Welfare 9, 189-190.