Publications

Effects of microclimate during transport on physiological indicators of market pig welfare: A systematic review with meta-analysis

During transportation, microclimatic conditions can fluctuate significantly, affecting pigs’ thermal comfort and leading to compromised welfare and production losses. Although numerous studies have examined the effects of heat stress during transport on pig welfare and meat quality, it remains unclear...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Hernandez, R. O., Rocha, A. O., Cai, C. et al. 2025. Effects of microclimate during transport on physiological indicators of market pig welfare: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12.

Positive reinforcement training: Old world NHPs

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is increasingly used to refine scientific and husbandry procedures involving Old-World nonhuman primates (NHPs) around the globe. PRT provides mental stimulation as well as reduces stress for NHPs. This will lead to better overall wellbeing and...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Harbin, T. 2025. Positive reinforcement training: Old world NHPs. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 165–167.

Juvenile male rats form preferences based on strain when playing in groups but not in pairs

Like many young mammals, juvenile rats engage in rough-and-tumble play. Play occurs naturally both in wild and laboratory rats, making it a suitable, ethologically relevant behavior to investigate. In the laboratory, rats are typically housed and tested in dyads, despite...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Ham, J. R., Jaiswal, D., Waner-Mariquito, R. et al. 2025. Juvenile male rats form preferences based on strain when playing in groups but not in pairs. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 19.

The use of vascular access buttons for drug administration and blood sampling in the rabbit

This poster discusses the challenges of blood collection in rabbits for pharmacokinetic (PK) and Pharmacodynamic (PD) studies and presents alternative solutions using vascular access devices.

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Cannulation, Catheterization, & IntubationAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Hale, E., Gittins, K., Jones, J. et al. 2025. The use of vascular access buttons for drug administration and blood sampling in the rabbit. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 180–182.

Housing in a large open cage did not affect the phenotypic traits of obese male Zucker fa/fa rats when compared to IVC-housed rats, but improved the rats’ well-being

The housing of laboratory rats in cages with dimensions according to international standards for research animals can hardly be regarded as a stimulating environment, even when fulfilling the minimum requirements for environmental enrichment. Little is known about whether changes in...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Disease/Experimental Model, HousingAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Gudbrandsen, O. A. 2025. Housing in a large open cage did not affect the phenotypic traits of obese male Zucker fa/fa rats when compared to IVC-housed rats, but improved the rats’ well-being. Animals 15(18), 2687.

Using the Welfare Quality® framework to develop a welfare assessment protocol for captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Good welfare is of inherent value to all captive animals and promotes species conservation objectives. Concern for animal welfare is growing globally, and research shows that animal welfare is a top priority for zoo visitors. There is, therefore, an urgent...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Gill, N. M., Bueno, M., Anderson, N. E. 2025. Using the Welfare Quality® framework to develop a welfare assessment protocol for captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Animal Welfare 34, e54.

Music as a perioperative, non-pharmacological intervention in veterinary medicine. Establishing a feasible framework for music implementation and future perspectives with a focus on the perioperative period of dogs and cats

Research in human medicine has provided sufficient evidence to support music’s incorporation into the perioperative period, suggesting it as a significant non-pharmacological adjunct in terms of a multimodal approach, which should be available to all surgical patients. The literature regarding...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Cat, Dog

Citation: Georgiou, S. G., Galatos, A. D. 2025. Music as a perioperative, non-pharmacological intervention in veterinary medicine. Establishing a feasible framework for music implementation and future perspectives with a focus on the perioperative period of dogs and cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12.

A study on light preference in gilts via behavioral pattern analysis

The rational design of artificial lighting systems in pig housing can enhance animal welfare, thereby boosting gilt health and reproductive performance while improving economic metrics for swine farms. To identify the optimal light environments for gilts under artificial illumination, we...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Ge, S., Ma, H., Li, X. et al. 2025. A study on light preference in gilts via behavioral pattern analysis. Animals 15(17), 2620.

Assessing the welfare of spiny lobsters and true lobsters in aquaria: Biology-informed best-practice guidelines for captive conditions

The welfare of decapod crustaceans held in captivity, whether in aquariums, holding facilities, seafood restaurants, supermarkets, or fishmongers, is attracting growing attention and concern. This review focuses on three species that are commonly found in European commercial environments: the European...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Body Modification/Mutilation, Husbandry & Management, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Crustacean, Invertebrate

Citation: Fruscella, L., Elwood, R. W., Passantino, A. 2025. Assessing the welfare of spiny lobsters and true lobsters in aquaria: Biology-informed best-practice guidelines for captive conditions. Animals 15(16), 2397.

An enrichment programme for group housed Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

The Centre for Macaques (CFM) houses Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) in groups of 2 to 18 individuals with ages ranging from birth to 16 years. We strive to create a comprehensive enrichment program with a variety of diverse types catering...

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

Citation: Fretton, G., Osborn, O. 2025, August An enrichment programme for group housed Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 144–148.