Publications

Comparing variability in measurement of subcutaneous tumors in mice using 3D thermal imaging and calipers

Repeatable tumor measurements are key to accurately assessing tumor growth and treatment efficacy. A preliminary study that we conducted showed that a novel 3D and thermal imaging system (3D-TI) for measuring subcutaneous tumors in rodents significantly reduced interoperator variability across...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Disease/Experimental Model, Humane EndpointAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Brough, D. W., Murkin, J. T., Amos, H. E. et al. 2022. Comparing variability in measurement of subcutaneous tumors in mice using 3D thermal imaging and calipers. Comparative Medicine 72(6), 364–375.

Play fighting versus real fighting in piglets (Sus scrofa): Similar patterns, different structure

When animals engage in ‘non-serious' fighting (play-fighting) they ‘borrow' motor patterns especially from the aggressive context. It may be difficult to distinguish play- and real-fighting. This is particularly true for piglets (Sus scrofa), which can use play-fighting as a substitute...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Cordoni, G., Collarini, E., Gioia, M. et al. 2022. Play fighting versus real fighting in piglets (Sus scrofa): Similar patterns, different structure. Behavioural Processes 203, 104778.

Transgenerational effects of early-life stress on anxiety behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Early-life adversity impacts on anxiety-related behaviors in adulthood. The effects of such adversity not only affect the animal itself, but can be passed on transgenerationally. Pervasive effects of experimentally-induced early-life stress (ELS) have been documented in adult zebrafish but it...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Fontana, B. D., Alnassar, N., Parker, M. O. 2023. Transgenerational effects of early-life stress on anxiety behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behavioural Processes 208, 104874.

Body tactile stimulation reduces the effects of high stocking density on the welfare of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

High stocking density is used in aquaculture to optimize farming. However, such strategies can stress territorial fish by increasing aggression, thus harming the fish welfare and productive performance. Here, we tested the effect of long-term tactile body stimulation (TS) on...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Fish, Tilapia

Citation: Gauy, A. C. dos S., Bolognesi, M. C., Gonçalves-de-Freitas, E. 2023. Body tactile stimulation reduces the effects of high stocking density on the welfare of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fishes 8(6), 320.

Social buffering of the stress response: Insights from fishes

Social buffering of stress refers to the effect of a social partner in reducing the cortisol or corticosterone response to a stressor. It has been well studied in mammals, particularly those that form pair bonds. Recent studies on fishes suggest...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish, Salmon, Shark & Ray, Tilapia, Trout, Zebrafish

Citation: Gilmour, K. M., Bard, B. 2022. Social buffering of the stress response: Insights from fishes. Biology Letters 18(10), 20220332.

Physiologic effects of housing rats in metabolic cages

Currently, metabolic cages (MC) are the only way to achieve serial sampling of urine and feces in rodents. However, the use of this caging creates a dramatic change from an animal's usual microenvironment. Here we sought to examine the effect...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, HousingAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Giral, M., Armengol, C., Gavaldà, A. 2022. Physiologic effects of housing rats in metabolic cages. Comparative Medicine 72(5), 298–305.

Home-enclosure-based behavioral and wireless neural recording setup for unrestrained rhesus macaques

Electrophysiological studies with behaving nonhuman primates often require the separation of animals from their social group as well as partial movement restraint to perform well-controlled experiments. When the research goal per se does not mandate constraining the animals' movements, there...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Imaging & Electrophysiological RecordingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Hansmeyer, L., Yurt, P., Agha, N. et al. 2023. Home-enclosure-based behavioral and wireless neural recording setup for unrestrained rhesus macaques. ENeuro 10(1) ENEURO.0285-22.2022.

Trends and treatment approaches for complications in neuroscience experiments with monkey species

Our goal in this manuscript is to advance the assessment and treatment of monkey species in neuroscience research. We hope to begin a discussion and establish baseline data on how complications are identified and treated. We surveyed the neuroscience research...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Capuchin, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Jain, A. K., Tansey, G., Hartig, R. et al. 2023. Trends and treatment approaches for complications in neuroscience experiments with monkey species. Comparative Medicine 73(3), 216–228.

Fit for Purpose assessment: A new direction for IACUCs

The organization and function of the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) is the key component of government regulation and oversight of necessary scientific research using live animals and of AAALAC - International accreditation of animal care and use...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Regulations & Ethical ReviewAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Kinter, L. B., Johnson, D. K., Weichbrod, R. H. et al. 2021. Fit for Purpose assessment: A new direction for IACUCs. ILAR Journal 62(3), 314–331.

Hunger affects cognitive performance of dairy calves

Hunger remains a significant animal welfare concern as restricted feeding practices are common on farms. Studies to date have focused on negative effects on health and productivity but little research has addressed the feeling of hunger, mostly due to methodological...

Year Published: 2023Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Lecorps, B., Woodroffe, R. E., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. et al. 2023. Hunger affects cognitive performance of dairy calves. Biology Letters 19(1), 20220475.