Publications

Pain assessment in horses using automatic facial expression recognition through deep learning-based modeling

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a machine vision algorithm to assess the pain level in horses, using an automatic computational classifier based on the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) and trained by machine learning method. The...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Lencioni, G. C., de Sousa, R. V., de Souza Sardinha, E. J. et al. 2021. Pain assessment in horses using automatic facial expression recognition through deep learning-based modeling. PLOS ONE 16(10), e0258672.

Vocal correlates of arousal in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp

Human-controlled regimes can entrain behavioural responses and may impact animal welfare. Therefore, understanding the influence of schedules on animal behaviour can be a valuable tool to improve welfare, however information on behaviour overnight and in the absence of husbandry staff...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Vocalization, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Marine Mammal

Citation: Probert, R., Bastian, A., Elwen, S. H. et al. 2021. Vocal correlates of arousal in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in human care. PLOS ONE 16(9), e0250913.

Are female mice dehydrated during peak lactation? Effect of water and gel supplement on hydration parameters and water consumption in two strains of mice

Mice (Mus musculus) have a high basal rate of metabolism which increases during pregnancy and lactation. During peak lactation, water intake amounts to up to 65 % of the bodyweight per day. Providing water in a bottle may pose a...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Husbandry & Management, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Grims, C., Jacobson, C., Hedenqvist, P. 2021. Are female mice dehydrated during peak lactation? Effect of water and gel supplement on hydration parameters and water consumption in two strains of mice. Scandinavian Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 47(3), 16-24.

Using cage ladders as a handling device reduces aversion and anxiety in laboratory mice, similar to tunnel handling

Handling laboratory animals for husbandry and other procedures can be an important source of anxiety and stress, compromising animal welfare as well as the reliability of research that is sensitive to background stressors. Studies have revealed that picking up laboratory...

Year Published: 2021Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Sandgren, R., Grims, C., Waters, J. et al. 2021. Using cage ladders as a handling device reduces aversion and anxiety in laboratory mice, similar to tunnel handling. Scandinavian Journal of Laboratory Animal Science 47(5), 31-41.

Sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia? A prospective, randomised blinded clinical trial in horses undergoing elective surgery

Background: Isoflurane is the only volatile anaesthetic agent licensed for equine use in the United Kingdom, but sevoflurane is also commonly used. The two agents have rarely been compared for use in clinical elective surgery. Methods: This single centre, prospective,...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: White, K. L., Hird, J. F. R., Taylor, P. M. 2021. Sevoflurane or isoflurane anaesthesia? A prospective, randomised blinded clinical trial in horses undergoing elective surgery. Veterinary Record 189(3), e507.

Does using an endotracheal tube or a supraglottic airway device result in better unassisted ventilation in rabbits?

Both endotracheal tubes and supraglottic airway devices appear to provide adequate unassisted ventilation in anaesthetised rabbits. However, it is highly recommended that a capnograph is used with both airway devices to monitor ventilation changes, especially if using a supraglottic airway...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Cannulation, Catheterization, & Intubation, Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Bruce, H., Brennan, M. 2021. Does using an endotracheal tube or a supraglottic airway device result in better unassisted ventilation in rabbits? Veterinary Record 189(7), 289-290.

Early socialisation in group lactation system reduces post-weaning aggression in piglets

Background: Pre-weaning group housing for sows and their litters is expected to enhance animal welfare. However, knowledge of potential benefits of pre-weaning socialisation for piglets after weaning is still lacking. Methods: Weaner pigs were mixed in groups of 10, using...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Fels, M., Schrey, L., Rauterberg, S. et al. 2021. Early socialisation in group lactation system reduces post-weaning aggression in piglets. Veterinary Record 189(12), e830.

Welfare assessment of adult laboratory zebrafish: A practical guide

Teleost fish such as Danio rerio (zebrafish) have been successfully used in biomedical research since decades. Genetically altered fish lines obtained by state-of-the-art genetic technologies are serving as well-known model organisms. In Europe, following Directive 2010/63/EU, generation, breeding, and husbandry...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Sabrautzki, S., Miller, M., Kague, E. et al. 2021. Welfare assessment of adult laboratory zebrafish: A practical guide. Zebrafish 18(4), 282-292.

Effects of holding density on the welfare of zebrafish: A systematic review

The zebrafish is becoming an increasingly popular research animal around the world. Its welfare is affected by an array of environmental factors, such as food access and water quality. Holding density is an important welfare aspect, not least due to...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Andersson, M., Kettunen, P. 2021. Effects of holding density on the welfare of zebrafish: A systematic review. Zebrafish 18(5), 297-306.

Efficacy and behavioral recovery of different anesthetics

The use of proper anesthesia in zebrafish research is essential to ensure fish welfare and data reliability. However, anesthesia long-term side effects remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess anesthesia quality and recovery in adult zebrafish...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Jorge, S., Ferreira, J. M., Olsson, I. A. S. et al. 2021. Efficacy and behavioral recovery of different anesthetics. Zebrafish 18(5), 330-337.