Publications

An exploratory interview study of researchers’ and technicians’ perceptions of rat tickling

This paper highlights the main themes which emerged from a study carried out with Animal Technicians and researchers to better understand: - perceptions of rat tickling - potential drivers and barriers to the uptake of tickling in a laboratory environment

Year Published: 2023Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Beechener, S., Brown, S., Bombail, V. et al. 2023. An exploratory interview study of researchers' and technicians' perceptions of rat tickling. Animal Technology and Welfare 22(3), 201–209.

Know when you are on a break: Effects of predictable breaks on bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus behaviours

Under human care, dolphins' activities are alternated with moments of breaks that should allow them to behave as they want. However, scheduled activities such as training, feeding and playing with objects can affect dolphins' behaviours during breaks. Specifically, dolphins perform...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Marine Mammal

Citation: Bigiani, S., Pil, C. 2023. Know when you are on a break: Effects of predictable breaks on bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus behaviours. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research 11(3), 311–317.

Metabolic and behavioural effects of hermit crab shell removal techniques: Is heating less invasive than cracking?

Hermit crabs (Paguroidea; Latreille 1802) offer great opportunities to study animal behaviour and physiology. However, the animals' size and sex cannot be determined when they are inside their shell; information crucial to many experimental designs. Here, we tested the effects...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Body Modification/Mutilation, Handling, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Crustacean, Invertebrate

Citation: Burciaga, L. M., Alcaraz, G. 2023. Metabolic and behavioural effects of hermit crab shell removal techniques: Is heating less invasive than cracking? Animal Welfare 32, e24.

The hard-hitting tooth—Does a scheduled teeth check reduce the number of mice found dead with malocclusion?

Malocclusion is a common dental disorder for laboratory mice. Characterised with improper alignment of teeth, if the incisors of the mouse have become overgrown or are missing it can significantly impact animal welfare. Malocclusion is evident around the first 2-5...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Ciupa, J. 2023. The hard-hitting tooth—Does a scheduled teeth check reduce the number of mice found dead with malocclusion? Animal Technology and Welfare 22(3), 240–241.

The zebrafish health and welfare database, where we are now

In 2019 the first Zebrafish health and welfare terms database was created. Working in collaboration with Zebrafish specialists and veterinarians we defined severity scores, welfare indicators, definitions and images to form a resource for the Zebrafish community. Since then the...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Goodwin, N., Keeble, R., Price, M. 2023. The zebrafish health and welfare database, where we are now. Animal Technology and Welfare 22(3), 231–232.

Application accuracy of a frameless optical neuronavigation system as a guide for craniotomies in dogs

Optical neuronavigation systems using infrared light to create a virtual reality image of the brain allow the surgeon to track instruments in real time. Due to the high vulnerability of the brain, neurosurgical interventions must be performed with a high...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Gutmann, S., Heiderhoff, M., Möbius, R. et al. 2023. Application accuracy of a frameless optical neuronavigation system as a guide for craniotomies in dogs. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 65(1), 54.

Rethinking the utility of the Five Domains model

The Five Domains model is influential in contemporary studies of animal welfare. It was originally presented as a conceptual model to understand the types of impact that procedures may impose on experimental animals. Its application has since broadened to cover...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Hampton, J. O., Hemsworth, L. M., Hemsworth, P. H. et al. 2023. Rethinking the utility of the Five Domains model. Animal Welfare 32, e62.

Cats just want to have fun: Associations between play and welfare in domestic cats

Play is often considered an indicator and promotor of animal welfare and may facilitate closer cat-human relationships. However, few studies have empirically investigated these associations. The current study aimed to investigate play-related factors associated with four welfare outcome measures in...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Natural Behavior, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Henning, J., Nielsen, T., Fernandez, E. et al. 2023. Cats just want to have fun: Associations between play and welfare in domestic cats. Animal Welfare 32, e9.

An assessment of rat hammocks as enrichment

Research has shown there are numerous welfare and scientific benefits to housing rats in more enriched and environmentally complex housing opposed to conventional housing. With the aim of increasing environmental complexity, providing opportunities for climbing and exploring and providing additional...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Hickman, M., Miller, L., MacDonald, R. 2023. An assessment of rat hammocks as enrichment. Animal Technology and Welfare 22(3), 221–223.

To wheel or not to wheel

Our study into the implementation of running wheels in overweight prone strains of mice and the potential integration of this practice into our mouse protocols.

Year Published: 2023Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Ives, P., Caygill, J. 2023. To wheel or not to wheel. Animal Technology and Welfare 22(3), 246–247.