Influence of cage enrichment on aggressive behaviour and physiological parameters in male mice (2002)

Van Loo, P. L. P., Kruitwagen, C. L. J. J., Koolhaas, J. M. et al.

Abstract

From welfare perspective group housing of mice is preferred over individual housing. Group housing of male laboratory mice, however, often leads to problems due to excessive aggressive behaviour. ... Overall, nesting material reduced aggressive behaviour, while a shelter increased aggressive behaviour compared to control housing. This effect was also reflected in the number of wounds counted. Furthermore, during shelter housing mice gained less body weight, drank less and showed higher corticosterone levels, while in housing conditions with nesting material, mice ate less. We conclude that providing male mice with nesting material reduces aggression between male mice, and may, thus, be promoted as being beneficial to their physical health and psychological well-being.