Publications

Comprehensive husbandry protocol for Corydoras catfish and many other Amazonian species

A variety of fish species have proven instrumental in the investigation of evolution, behavior, ecology, and physiology, among many other fields. Many model systems (e.g., zebrafish, guppies, and three-spined sticklebacks) have been maintained by institutions and have had protocols written...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Chiang, A., Haine, S. S. S., Goldring, R. et al. 2024. Comprehensive husbandry protocol for Corydoras catfish and many other Amazonian species. JAALAS 63(5), 472–479.

Noise and vibration generation and response of mice (Mus musculus) to routine intrafacility transportation methods

Intrafacility transport of mice is an essential function for both laboratory and husbandry personnel. However, transport may induce a stress response that can alter research findings and negatively impact animal welfare. To determine minimally adverse intrafacility transport methods, in-cage noise...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Cordingley, J. R., Nemzek, J., Qi, N. 2024. Noise and vibration generation and response of mice (Mus musculus) to routine intrafacility transportation methods. JAALAS 63(3), 221–231.

Ammonia accumulation as a proxy to determine cage-change frequency in antelope ground squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus)

Due to a lack of evidence-based standards for cage-change intervals for antelope ground squirrels (AGS, Ammospermophilus leucurus), we evaluated cage ammonia accumulation in our colony of adult, wild-caught AGS and identified factors that influenced ammonia levels. Intracage ammonia was measured...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Other Rodent, Rodent

Citation: Ellis, M. M., Brune, J. E., Patil, K. et al. 2024. Ammonia accumulation as a proxy to determine cage-change frequency in antelope ground squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus). JAALAS 63(3), 251–256.

The dog soundscape: Recurrence, emotional impact, acoustics, and implications for dog observations and dog–human interactions

While numerous dog behavioral studies use environmental sounds, the dog soundscape remains undescribed. We proposed a list of 79 sounds classified into six categories: Dog, Dog accessories, Human, city and vehicles, Garden, countryside and weather, and Household. In a survey,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Savel, S., Legou, T. 2024. The dog soundscape: Recurrence, emotional impact, acoustics, and implications for dog observations and dog–human interactions. Animals 14(2), 279.

The effect of a hiding space on the behaviour and heart rate variability of dairy calves during temporary separation from the dam

In natural settings, newborn calves hide for several days before joining the herd. It is unclear whether dairy calves housed indoors would show similar hiding behaviour. This study aimed to describe the use of an artificial hide provided to calves...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Spitzer, H. B., Meagher, R. K., O'Sullivan, M. L. et al. 2024. The effect of a hiding space on the behaviour and heart rate variability of dairy calves during temporary separation from the dam. Animal Welfare 33, e2.

The impact of cage dividers on mouse aggression, dominance and hormone levels

Home cage aggression in group-housed male mice is a major welfare concern and may compromise animal research. Conventional cages prevent flight or retreat from sight, increasing the risk that agonistic encounters will result in injury. Moreover, depending on social rank,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Housing, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Streiff, C., Herrera, A., Voelkl, B. et al. 2024. The impact of cage dividers on mouse aggression, dominance and hormone levels. PLOS ONE 19(2), e0297358.

Environmental enrichments and data-driven welfare indicators for sheltered dogs using telemetric physiological measures and signal processing

Shelters are stressful environments for domestic dogs which are known to negatively impact their welfare. The introduction of outside stimuli for dogs in this environment can improve their welfare and life conditions. However, our current understanding of the influence of...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Travain, T., Lazebnik, T., Zamansky, A. et al. 2024. Environmental enrichments and data-driven welfare indicators for sheltered dogs using telemetric physiological measures and signal processing. Scientific Reports 14(1), 3346.

Cage enrichment to minimize aggression in part-time group-housed female breeding rabbits

In most rabbit farms, breeding does kindle and nurse their kits in single-litter cages throughout their entire reproduction cycle. However, the protective behavior can lead to aggressive displays and injuries when the does are housed in groups. This study aimed...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Van Damme, L. G. W., Ipek, N., Verwaeren, J. et al. 2024. Cage enrichment to minimize aggression in part-time group-housed female breeding rabbits. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11.

Bite wounds and dominance structures in male and female African spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus): Implications for animal welfare and the generalizability of experimental results

Bite wounds due to aggression in male laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are a major welfare concern, often leading to attrition, chronic activation of the innate immune system, and significant impacts on the experimental results derived from the use of these...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Varholick, J. A., Godinez, G., Jenkins, A. et al. 2024. Bite wounds and dominance structures in male and female African spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus): Implications for animal welfare and the generalizability of experimental results. Animals 14(1), 64.

Utilizing vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of non-human mammals

This review discusses how welfare scientists can examine vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of individual animals. In recent years, researchers working in professionally managed settings have recognized the value of monitoring the types, rates, and acoustic structures...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, VocalizationAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Whitham, J. C., Miller, L. J. 2024. Utilizing vocalizations to gain insight into the affective states of non-human mammals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11.