Publications

Influence of multiple factors on rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) use of a feeding enrichment device

We studied the effect of different filler items on rhesus macaques’ use of a feeding enrichment device called the ‘browsing bowl.’ We examined use of the device as affected by calories, sugar content, and volume of different fillers as well...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Cowan-Brown, J. M., Clay, A. W., Perlman, J. et al. 2025. Influence of multiple factors on rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) use of a feeding enrichment device. JAALAS 64(4), 674–681.

Single oral dose of gabapentin reduces vigilance and increases play behavior without changing mobility in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate rabbit behavioral responses and activity after gabapentin administration. METHODS In this study, 5 intact female and 3 intact male New Zealand white rabbits aged 8 to 12 months were administered a single oral 25-mg/kg dose of gabapentin....

Year Published: 2025Topics: Emotion, Pain, & SentienceAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Conway, R. E., Desmarchelier, M., Burton, M. et al. 2025. Single oral dose of gabapentin reduces vigilance and increases play behavior without changing mobility in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 263(3), 335–342.

Using machine learning and predictive artificial intelligence to determine cage change frequency for mice housed in individually ventilated cages and drive vivarium operational efficiency

A standard 2-wk cage change frequency for individually ventilated mouse cages is used in many research facilities, with negligible effects on animal health and welfare. However, these techniques rely on subjective visual evaluations and often require spot changes. In this...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Collins, J. M., Singh, B., Zwick, M. E. et al. 2025. Using machine learning and predictive artificial intelligence to determine cage change frequency for mice housed in individually ventilated cages and drive vivarium operational efficiency. JAALAS 64(4), 682–695.

Non-aversive handling in laboratory animals and its effects on depressive-like and anxiety-related behaviors: A scoping review

Stress is an adaptive response to environmental demands, but increased intensity and frequency can lead to impaired adaptive functions. Stress is considered a risk factor for Major Depressive Disorder, a multifactorial disorder that often coexists with anxiety. Picking up laboratory...

Year Published: 2025Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Castro de Jesus, L., S․ Rodrigues, A. L. 2025. Non-aversive handling in laboratory animals and its effects on depressive-like and anxiety-related behaviors: A scoping review. Physiology & Behavior 294, 114883.

The role of line-of-sight in operant experiments using food reinforcers in guinea pigs

The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a species utilized as a model in laboratory science and is a popular companion animal. The study aimed to assess the role of line-of-sight with a food reinforcer in the ramp climbing behaviour of...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Behavioral & Cognitive TestingAnimal Type: Guinea Pig, Rodent

Citation: Cameron, K. E., Hoult, C., Walker, T. W. 2025. The role of line-of-sight in operant experiments using food reinforcers in guinea pigs. Behavioural Processes 228, 105189.

Future aviary design: The science of circular flight aviaries for avian welfare

Birds are kept in captive settings globally, and many of these birds are not flight-restrained. It is generally considered more ethical to house birds in aviaries than to practice flight restraint through wing clipping or pinioning, which means that aviaries...

Year Published: 2025Topics: HousingAnimal Type: Bird, Finch, Other Bird, Parrot

Citation: Brereton, J. E., Coe, J. C., Fernandez, E. J. 2025. Future aviary design: The science of circular flight aviaries for avian welfare. Zoo Biology 44(4), 293–303.

The ability to interpret affective states in horses’ body language is associated with experience with animals

In light of an increasing interest in the human ability to read equine emotions, Braun et al. (2024) recently showed that horse-experienced individuals performed better in interpreting affective states in horses’ body language than horse-inexperienced individuals. Further, individuals with a...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Human-Animal Interaction, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Braun, M. N., Bülow, S., Müller-Klein, A. et al. 2025. The ability to interpret affective states in horses’ body language is associated with experience with animals. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 290, 106716.

The use of infra-red thermography to study emotions of wild crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in their natural habitat

Infra-red thermography (IRT) has been validated across a range of taxa as a non-invasive method to quantify physiological changes (variation in skin temperature) that serve as a proxy for emotional arousal in humans and other animals. While its effectiveness has...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Berthier, J. M., Wheeler, B. C., Qomariah, I. N. et al. 2025. The use of infra-red thermography to study emotions of wild crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in their natural habitat. Physiology & Behavior 296, 114904.

Environmental enrichment with aquatic plants: Impact of the environment of choice on performance of bettas

This study aimed to evaluate the choice between environments with aquatic plants and the impact of the environment of choice on the performance of bettas (Betta splendens). First, the choice between environments with natural and artificial plants was evaluated. Adult...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Bender, M., Oliveira dos Santos Neves, N., Regina Delziovo, F. et al. 2025. Environmental enrichment with aquatic plants: Impact of the environment of choice on performance of bettas. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 28(4), 740–749.

Optimization of ketamine/xylazine anesthesia in geriatric mice

Aged mice are becoming increasingly important models for human senescence. Many studies require anesthesia. Standard rodent ketamine/xylazine injectable regimens have been associated with increased incidences of death, unreliable surgical planes, and prolonged recoveries in geriatric mice. We hypothesized that the...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Beecy, S., Meuse, D., Kizielewicz, N. et al. 2025. Optimization of ketamine/xylazine anesthesia in geriatric mice. JAALAS 64(4), 778–787.