Going back to nature: The benefits of wood enrichment (2012)

Froberg-Fejko, K. M., Lecker, J. L.

Abstract

Environmental enrichment can be defined as altering the living environment of captive animals in order to provide them with opportunities to express more of their natural behavioral repertoire. The challenge of providing effective enrichment in laboratory species is to ensure that it allows for normal behavioral opportunities. For many animals, these behaviors include foraging, sheltering, exploring, nest building and gnawing. In the wild, many species use wood and bark to satisfy these behaviors, thereby maintaining physiological and behavioral health. For laboratory animals, various wood enrichment products are available that will provide appropriate environmental enrichment and satisfy those same needs. For use in strict Good Laboratoy Practice and toxicological programs, Bio-Serv's certified (contaminant-screened) Wood Gnawing Blocks offer clean hardwood blocks for rodents and rabbits. Bio-Serv also offers hardwood sticks in oak, birch, maple and manzanita for primates.