Rodent

The response of C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice to increased housing density

Increased numbers of mice housed per cage (that is, increased housing density) is seen as 1 way to reduce the costs of conducting biomedical research. Current empirically derived guidelines are based on the area provided per mouse depending on body...

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Nicholson, A., Malcolm, R. D., Russ, P. L. et al. 2009. The response of C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice to increased housing density . Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science] 48(6), 740-753.

Decline in aggression in cotton rats through the use of enrichment

The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) presents a unique susceptibility towards human pathogens and is currently used in studies of human respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus. Though valuable, this animal model has earned a challenging reputation with husbandry, veterinary,...

Year Published: 2009Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Neubauer, T. L., Zabriskie, R., Buckmaster, C. A. 2009. Decline in aggression in cotton rats through the use of enrichment. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 609 (Abstract #P157).

There’s a rat in my room! Now what? Mice show now chronic physiological response to the presence of rats

The study concluded that housing rats and mice in the same room is at least less disturbing than cage cleaning.

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Mouse, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Meijer, M. K., van Loo, P. L. P., Baumans, V. 2009. There's a rat in my room! Now what? Mice show now chronic physiological response to the presence of rats. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 12, 293-305.

Adult rats exposed to early-life social isolation exhibit increased anxiety and conditioned fear behavior, and altered hormonal stress responses

Social isolation of rodents during development is thought to be a relevant model of early-life chronic stress. We investigated the effects of early-life social isolation on later adult fear and anxiety behavior, and on corticosterone stress responses, in male rats....

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Lukkes, J. L., Mokin, M. V., Scholl, J. L. et al. 2009. Adult rats exposed to early-life social isolation exhibit increased anxiety and conditioned fear behavior, and altered hormonal stress responses. Hormones and Behavior 55, 248-256.

Evaluation of five bedding types on male nude mouse health and aggression

Corncob appeared to show the least amount aggression. Apsen chip seemed to increase aggression in male nudes.

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Lawton, S. E. 2009. Evaluation of five bedding types on male nude mouse health and aggression. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 18 (Abstract).

Analysis of environmental sound levels in modern rodent housing rooms

Loud noise and noise variability were attributed primarily to personnel activity.

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Rodent

Citation: Lauer, A. M., May, B. J., Hao, Z. J. et al. 2009. Analysis of environmental sound levels in modern rodent housing rooms. Lab Animal 38(5), 154-158.

Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamsters

This study aimed to determine whether Syrian (golden) hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus, prefer certain bedding materials and whether bedding material can affect paw condition, body weight gain and wheel-running activity. In a first experiment, 26 male hamsters had access to two...

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Lanteigne, M., Reebs, S. G. 2009. Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamsters. Laboratory Animals 43, 85-90.

Effects of cage size and enrichment on reproductive performance and behavior in C57BL/6Tac mice

While cage size did not affect reproductive performance, enrichment (regardless of cage size) did signficicantly benefit reproductive performance; pups from non-enriched cages weighed less and fewer survived to weaning age than pups from enriched cages.

Year Published: 2009Topics: Environmental Enrichment, ReproductionAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Whitaker, J., Moy, S. S., Godfrey, V. et al. 2009. Effects of cage size and enrichment on reproductive performance and behavior in C57BL/6Tac mice. Lab Animal 38(1), 24-34.

Sublingual blood collection in unanesthetized rats

This technique can be used with minimal resources while at the same time exposing the animal to minimal damage and discomfort.

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Kohlert, D. J. 2009. Sublingual blood collection in unanesthetized rats. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 79 (Abstract).

Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by cotton balls used for environmental enrichment

Dioxins are nearly ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are produced as byproducts during industrial processes, including the bleaching of paper and textiles. Contamination of animal bedding material with dioxins has been a concern for both laboratory and farm animals. The objective...

Year Published: 2009Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Tischkau, S. A., Mukai, M. 2009. Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by cotton balls used for environmental enrichment . Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 48(4), 357-362.