Modulation of aggression in male mice: Influence of cage cleaning regime and scent marks (2000)

Van Loo, P. L. P., Kruitwagen, C. L. J. J., Van Zutphen, L. F. M.

Abstract

Group housing of male laboratory mice often leads to welfare problems due to aggressive behaviour. ... Aggression peaks after disturbances such as cage cleaning .. Our results indicated that neither kinship nor distribution of urine marks affected aggression. Olfactory cues from nesting and bedding material, however, affected aggression to a marked degree: transfer of nesting material reduced aggression significantly, while transfer of sawdust containing urine and faeces seemed to intensify aggression. ... We conclude that the transfer of nesting material will reduce aggression, or at least slow down its development, and thus aid the reduction of social tension due to cage cleaning.