Publications

Refining enrichment toy interactions in common marmosets through usage assessment

Apart from species-typical foraging behavior, a large body of the literature addresses enriching captive marmoset environments through structural and housing adaptations to promote activity and exploration. These studies simulate vertical elements and climbing substrates in the captive environment and are...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Aird, T., Pierre, P. J. 2022. Refining enrichment toy interactions in common marmosets through usage assessment. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(1) (January/February), 64-66.

Refined ways to pick up mice

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement of laboratory animal welfare, the North American 3Rs Collaborative (NA3RsC) brought together several experts to examine the evidence, impact, and practicality of alternative methods for picking up mice.

Year Published: 2022Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: LaFollette, M. R. 2022. Refined ways to pick up mice. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(2) (March/April), 46-48.

A new feeder device to provide cleaner and accessible diet gel to laboratory mice

Gel solutions are simple to use, have a relative long shelf life and can be delivered with plastic cups or pouches. A common issue encountered by many institutions is that the gel becomes soiled quickly due to multiple factors such...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Scorrano, F. 2022. A new feeder device to provide cleaner and accessible diet gel to laboratory mice. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(2) (March/April), 50-52.

Bedding system influences lying behaviour in dairy cows

Background: The nature and depth of bedding material have an important influence on cow lying behaviour and comfort. Increasing use of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding led to an investigation of the influence of this material on cow lying...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Leach, K. A., Charlton, G. L., Green, M. J. et al. 2021. Bedding system influences lying behaviour in dairy cows. Veterinary Record 190(7), e1066.

The impact of environmental enrichment on red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys elegans)

This study aimed to determine whether tank enrichment improved positive species-specific behaviors (those that benefit the animals' overall well-being), such as basking, and/or decreased negative behaviors (those that may indicate stress, agitation, or discomfort), such as dragging limbs, in red-eared...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Reptile, Turtle & Tortoise

Citation: Lane, S., Williams, W., Mayo, M. 2022. The impact of environmental enrichment on red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys elegans). Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(3) (May/June), 18-20.

To stay virtual or not to stay virtual? That is the question

Both the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released guidance about how to conduct inspections during the pandemic; some of their suggestions may be of value to retain as hybrid approaches (virtual and...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Regulations & Ethical ReviewAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Hankenson, F. C., Pritt, S. 2022. To stay virtual or not to stay virtual? That is the question. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(3) (May/June), 34-36.

Chicken gummy dog treats

Here is a simple, fast, and easy recipe for making homemade dog gummies only using 2 ingredients. The main ingredient in gelatin is collagen, a protein found in animal tissues, ligaments, tendons, bones, and skin. For this recipe, organic chicken...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Buchanan, K. 2022. Chicken gummy dog treats. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(3) (May/June), 42.

Effects of hair removal creams on mouse skin

Human hair removal brands such as Nair™ are sometimes used in research to remove hair from mice before surgery, imaging, and other procedures.1,3 While the use of these depilatory creams in rodent research is relatively widespread, few studies have evaluated...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Reichert, M., Koewler, N., Hargis, A. M. et al. 2022. Effects of hair removal creams on mouse skin. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(3) (May/June), 46-47.

Improving maternal welfare during gestation has positive outcomes on neonatal survival and modulates offspring immune response in pigs

Improving the housing of pregnant sows by giving them more space and access to deep straw had positive effects on their welfare, influenced their maternal behavior and improved the survival of their offspring. The present study aimed at determining whether...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Husbandry & Management, Rearing & Weaning, ReproductionAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Merlot, E., Meunier-Salaün, M.-C., Peuteman, B. et al. 2022. Improving maternal welfare during gestation has positive outcomes on neonatal survival and modulates offspring immune response in pigs. Physiology & Behavior 249, 113751.

Stereotypic behaviors are associated with physiology and immunity differences in long-term confined sows

Pregnant sows in the confined environment have poor welfare and frequently perform stereotypic behaviors. In order to clarify whether highly stereotypic behavior is a sign of increased stress and successfully contributes to coping with or adaptation to adverse environment, fifty...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Pan, L., Nian, H., Zhang, R. et al. 2022. Stereotypic behaviors are associated with physiology and immunity differences in long-term confined sows. Physiology & Behavior 249, 113776.