Publications

Rescued cats prefer to scratch fabrics commonly used to cover upholstered furniture

Preference responses of cats for scratching fabrics commonly used on furniture were evaluated during four consecutive days in three Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that rescue companion animals. Cats were grouped and their choices were registered at a group level (no individual...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Rossi, A. P., dos Santos, C. R. C., Maia, C. M. et al. 2023. Rescued cats prefer to scratch fabrics commonly used to cover upholstered furniture. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 26(3), 313–324.

The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices

The ethics of animal training procedures have seen dramatic changes in the last few decades, with a movement toward reward-based training methods. These reward-based training practices have also been directly impacted by the behavioral and animal welfare sciences, including their...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Fernandez, E. J. 2024. The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 71, 63–68.

Effects over time of different types of sounds on gestating sows’ behavior

Noise can alter the behavior and welfare of pigs, although they have good adaptive abilities. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between different regularly emitted sounds and the behavior of gestating sows as well as their...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Gaillard, C., Deroiné, C., Misrach, M. et al. 2023. Effects over time of different types of sounds on gestating sows' behavior. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 266, 106012.

A systematic review of the impact of environmental enrichment in zebrafish

Environmental enrichment (EE) consists of a series of interventions carried out in the home environment to promote greater exposure to sensory stimuli and mimic the natural habitat of laboratory-housed animals, providing environments closer to those found in nature. Some studies...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Gallas-Lopes, M., Benvenutti, R., Donzelli, N. I. Z. et al. 2023. A systematic review of the impact of environmental enrichment in zebrafish. Lab Animal 52(12), 332-343.

Review of housing and husbandry of anemonefishes for use in research

Anemonefishes of the genus Amphiprion are emerging as a model organism for marine science, so there is potentially a lot for the research community to gain by optimizing and standardizing housing and husbandry protocols. Here, we conducted a literature review...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Gendron, M. E., Buston, P. M. 2023. Review of housing and husbandry of anemonefishes for use in research. Journal of Fish Biology 103(5), 924–938.

Implementation of an alternative training method for cardiac blood collection in mice

Training personnel to work with animals presents a variety of challenges, both logistically and with regard to animal welfare. These issues make training an ideal opportunity to evaluate practices and to implement the 3R principles (refinement, replacement, and reduction). Cardiac...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Animal Training, Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: George, A. J., O'Malley, C. I., Bulock, R. E. et al. 2023. Implementation of an alternative training method for cardiac blood collection in mice. JAALAS 62(6), 487–493.

The impact of housing on birth outcomes in breeding macaque groups across multiple research centers

Demand for nonhuman primates in research has increased over the past several years, while nonhuman primate supply remains a challenge in the United States. Global nonhuman primate supply issues make it increasingly important to maximize domestic colony production. To explore...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Housing, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Haertel, A. J., Beisner, B. A., Buehler, M. S. et al. 2023. The impact of housing on birth outcomes in breeding macaque groups across multiple research centers. American Journal of Primatology 85(11), e23554.

Anxiety-like behaviors in artificially reared mice is reduced by contact with foster mothers

Experimental systems using animal models are important for nutritional and pharmacological research on newborns and infants. Accordingly, artificial nursing systems for rodents based exclusively on formula are critical to studying nutrient requirements, chemical safety, and immune system development in newborns...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Harauma, A., Murai, M., Nakamura, I. et al. 2023. Anxiety-like behaviors in artificially reared mice is reduced by contact with foster mothers. Physiology & Behavior 260, 114052.

Hair corticosterone concentration as a potential stress marker in pet rabbits

Background As a prey species, rabbits tend to hide their illnesses and injuries. Consequently, pet rabbit owners often do not notice that their pet may be suffering. Methods Data on the housing and health of 34 dwarf rabbits were collected...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Hube, D., van Meegen, C., Herbrandt, S. et al. 2023. Hair corticosterone concentration as a potential stress marker in pet rabbits. Veterinary Record 193(9), e3464.

Effects of refined handling on reproductive indices of BALB/cJ and CD-1 IGS mice

Current mouse handling methods during cage change procedures can cause stress and potentially compromise animal welfare. Our previous study of breeding C57BL/6J mice found modest increases in pup production and a significant reduction in preweaning litter losses when mice were...

Year Published: 2024Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Hull, M. A., Nunamaker, E. A., Reynolds, P. S. 2024. Effects of refined handling on reproductive indices of BALB/cJ and CD-1 IGS mice. JAALAS 63(1), 3–9.