Housing environment and enrichment for laboratory rats - refinement and reduction outcome (2000)

Mering, S.

Abstract

Three kinds of aspen items were used for enrichment: gnawing blocks of two different sizes [1x1x5 cm; 6x6x6 cm with drilled holes] and rectangular tubes [20x12x12 cm, large enough to fulfill the natural tendency of rats for hiding]. The enrichment items were used by rats in terms of contact and amount gnawed. .. The suitability of these items depended on the housing environment. In SBC [solid bottom cages with bedding], rats had not interest on smaller gnawing blocks, but in GFC's [grid floor cages without bedding] they seemed to have more enriching value. Larger blocks and especially tubes seemed to be suitable enrichment tools for rats in SBCs. .. The application of these enrichment items does not threaten research results but possibly improves animals' welfare.