Male Management - Coping With Aggression Problems in Male Laboratory Mice (Doctoral Thesis) (2001)

Van Loo, P. L. P.

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to find practical solutions for coping with excessive aggressive behaviour in male laboratory mice. .. The proximity of another male is preferred to individual housing, irrespectively of dominance status, kinship or familiarity. ... Male mice of all ages tested have a preference for social contact during rest periods. ... Nesting material was highly preferred by mice of all ages tested. .. Transfer of nesting material reduced post-cleaning aggression .. Moderate increase of intermale aggression in larger cages compared to smaller cages [was observed] .. Aggression in groups of eight animals was considerably higher than in groups of three animals. .. Nesting material reduced aggressive behaviour, while a shelter increased [it]. Several physiological parameters of mice with access to nesting material were indicative of a reduced stress response as compared to control mice.