Cage-change interval preference in mice (2011)

Godbey, T., Gray, G., Jeffery, D.

Abstract

Before animal research facilities began using individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems formice, cages were often changed one or more times per week. When using IVC systems, however, it is standard practice to change cages only once every 2-3 weeks. When deciding how often to change cages, personnel may consider the cost of labor needed to change the cage, as well as the cage type and bedding type, rather than animal preference or concern for animal well-being. The authors carried out a simple preference test in groups ofmice.Micewere allowed to choose between an unsoiled cage and cages that had not been changed for 1 d, 7 d or 14 d. When evaluating wheremicepositioned their nests and the amount of timemicespent in the various cages, the authors found that themicepreferred the unsoiled cage. Youngermice(<150 d old) showed a stronger preference for the unsoiled cage than did oldermice(>150 d old). Further studies are warranted to evaluatemice's preferences for cages changed at different intervals and to determine whether prolonging the interval between cage changes has any negative effects onmice