Long-term effects of husbandry procedures on stress-related parameters in male mice of two strains (2004)

Van Loo, P. L. P., Van der Meer, E., Kruitwagen, C. L. J. J. et al.

Abstract

Long-term provision of nesting material and its transfer during cage cleaning was found to influence several stress-related physiological parameters. Mice housed in cages enriched with nesting material had lower urine corticosterone levels and heavier thymuses, and they consumed less food and water than standard-housed mice. .. We conclude that the long-term provision of nesting material, including the transfer of nesting material during cage cleaning, reduces stress and thereby enhances the welfare of laboratory mice.