Publications

Less activity means improved welfare? How pair housing influences pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) behaviour

The activity level and specific behaviours exhibited by captive animals are crucial indicators of welfare. Stereotypies, or repetitive behaviours that have no apparent function or goal, are performed by animals experiencing poor conditions in their environment and indicate welfare concerns....

Year Published: 2024Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Bird, Other Bird

Citation: Wolff, L. M., Stevens, J. R. 2024. Less activity means improved welfare? How pair housing influences pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) behaviour. Animal Welfare 33, e49.

Study of tree shrew biology and models: A booming and prosperous field for biomedical research

The tree shrew ( Tupaia belangeri) has long been proposed as a suitable alternative to non-human primates (NHPs) in biomedical and laboratory research due to its close evolutionary relationship with primates. In recent years, significant advances have facilitated tree shrew...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Tree Shrew

Citation: Yao, Y.-G., Lu, L., Ni, R.-J. et al. 2024. Study of tree shrew biology and models: A booming and prosperous field for biomedical research. Zoological Research 45(4), 877–909.

Familiarity of an environment prevents song suppression in isolated zebra finches

Despite the wide use of zebra finches as an animal model to study vocal learning and production, little is known about impacts on their welfare caused by routine experimental manipulations such as changing their social context. Here we conduct a...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Housing, Husbandry & Management, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Bird, Finch

Citation: Zai, A. T., Rodrigues, D. I., Stepien, A. E. et al. 2025. Familiarity of an environment prevents song suppression in isolated zebra finches. PLOS ONE 20(1), e0307126.

Ultrasound to ultrasee—The use of ultrasound to determine pregnancy in mice

Several MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) groups require early-stage mouse embryos for their scientific research programmes. Traditionally, Animal Technicians have relied on visual checks or palpation of the abdomen to determine pregnancy in mice. In 2017 an ultrasound machine...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Imaging & Electrophysiological Recording, ReproductionAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Karam, C., Kemp, K. 2024. Ultrasound to ultrasee—The use of ultrasound to determine pregnancy in mice. Animal Technology and Welfare 23(2), 121–127.

Effect of pre-session discrimination training on performance in a judgement bias test in dogs

Spatial judgement bias tests (JBTs) can involve teaching animals that a bowl provides a reward in one location but does not in another. The animal is then presented with the bowl placed between the rewarded and the unrewarded locations (i.e.,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Emotion, Pain, & SentienceAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Krahn, J., Azadian, A., Cavalli, C. et al. 2024. Effect of pre-session discrimination training on performance in a judgement bias test in dogs. Animal Cognition 27(1), 66.

Sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians: A systematic review

Sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians pose unique challenges due to their aggressive nature, poikilothermic physiology, and specific anatomical and physiological characteristics, all factors that complicate crocodilian anaesthesia. This review aimed to systematically review the literature regarding sedation and general...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Crocodile & Alligator, Reptile

Citation: Kruuse, A. O., Markusen, L. D., Grøndahl, C. et al. 2024. Sedation and general anaesthesia of crocodilians: A systematic review. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 66(1), 56.

Do we still need a canary in the coal mine for laboratory animal facilities? A systematic review of environmental health monitoring versus soiled bedding sentinels

Introduction Despite increasing evidence that Environmental Health Monitoring (EHM) is an effective method to perform rodent colony health surveillance, promotes the 3Rs as a Replacement, is comparable or reduces cost, and demonstrates labor benefits, many research institutions continue to use...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & Management, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rat, Rodent

Citation: LaFollette, M. R., Clement, C. S., Luchins, K. R. et al. 2024. Do we still need a canary in the coal mine for laboratory animal facilities? A systematic review of environmental health monitoring versus soiled bedding sentinels. PLOS ONE 19(12), e0311840.

Do cockatiels choose their favourite tunes? Use of touchscreen for animal welfare enhancement and insights into musical preferences

Music may be one of the oldest forms of art, and its appreciation is thought to be universal among humans. Music could also represent a useful tool to improve captive animals' welfare, especially if individuals can choose the music they...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Bird, Parrot

Citation: Le Covec, M., Di Stasi, R., Aimé, C. et al. 2024. Do cockatiels choose their favourite tunes? Use of touchscreen for animal welfare enhancement and insights into musical preferences. Animals 14(24), 3609.

Rat tickling in gestation females

It has previously not been recommended to perform rat tickling on pregnant females. We questioned if rat tickling could be used for pregnant females to improve their welfare. After discussion with our veterinarians, Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer, and...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Human-Animal Interaction, ReproductionAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Lomax, A., Lurkins, D., Hornsey, H. 2024. Rat tickling in gestation females. Animal Technology and Welfare 23(2), 143–144.

The effect of rearing and adult environment on HPA axis responsivity and plumage condition in laying hens

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity is influenced by early life experience and also modified by the environment an individual experiences as an adult. Because laying hens are transferred from rearing to laying farms at 16–18 weeks of age, they are...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Nordgreen, J., Dumontier, L., Smulders, T. V. et al. 2024. The effect of rearing and adult environment on HPA axis responsivity and plumage condition in laying hens. Animals 14(23), 3422.