Effects of cage change and nest transfer on artificial intelligence-measured behaviors in male C57BL/6 mice (2026)

Kizielewicz, N., Molk, D., Camacho, J. et al.

Abstract

Cage changes can be a stressful period in a mouse’s life due to the rapid change of environment. It is essential to study the behavioral effects of a cage change on mice, including drinking, eating, aggression, and sleep, as these can affect research variability. This study evaluated the effects of a cage change on behavior and whether transferring nesting material could mitigate the negative effects of a cage change. Using home cage monitoring with computer vision artificial intelligence, 40 C57BL/6 mice were continuously monitored for 2 consecutive cage changes. Mice received either new nesting material (control) or transferred soiled nesting material at cage change. Data were analyzed before and after a cage change and reported for at least 3 days or until baseline behavior resumed. Parameters collected included time spent drinking, eating, sleeping, and aggression. Two hours after a cage change, drinking and eating significantly increased, and sleep significantly decreased compared with pre-cage change values. Long-term effects ranged from decreased sleep in the first 24 hours to decreased eating for 3 days post-cage change. Total distance traveled was increased up to day 4 post-cage change, and rearing time was increased for 3 days after a cage change. All significant behaviors gradually stabilized by day 5. Transfer of old nesting material had no significant impact at any time point. These results show that there are both long-term and short-term effects of a cage change, and nest transfer may not influence these parameters in C57BL/6 mice.