Publications

Antinociceptive and cardiorespiratory effects of a single dose of dexmedetomidine in laboratory mice subjected to craniotomy under general anaesthesia with isoflurane and carprofen or meloxicam

Pain refinement represents an important aspect of animal welfare in laboratory animals. Refining analgesia regimens in mice undergoing craniotomy has been sparsely investigated. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine in combination with other analgesic drugs on intraoperative...

Year Published: 2024Topics: AnalgesiaAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Schiele, A. R., Henze, I. S., Bettschart-Wolfensberger, R. et al. 2024. Antinociceptive and cardiorespiratory effects of a single dose of dexmedetomidine in laboratory mice subjected to craniotomy under general anaesthesia with isoflurane and carprofen or meloxicam. Animals 14(6), 913.

Exploring the similarities between risk factors triggering depression in humans and elevated in-cage “inactive but awake” behavior in laboratory mice

Depression is a human mental disorder that can also be inferred in non-human animals. This study explored whether time spent inactive but awake (“IBA”) in the home-cage in mice was further triggered by risk factors similar to those increasing vulnerability...

Year Published: 2024Topics: HousingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Schmitt, O., Finnegan, E., Trevarthen, A. et al. 2024. Exploring the similarities between risk factors triggering depression in humans and elevated in-cage “inactive but awake” behavior in laboratory mice. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11.

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.

Improved memory and lower stress levels in male mice co-housed with ovariectomized female mice

Aggressiveness, expressed by fighting, is a frequent problem in group-housed laboratory male mice and results in increased stress, injury, and death. One way to prevent fighting is by pairing the male mice with ovariectomized female mice to provide a compatible...

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

Citation: Wikanthi, L. S. S., Forsström, J., Ewaldsson, B. et al. 2024. Improved memory and lower stress levels in male mice co-housed with ovariectomized female mice. Animals 14(10), 1503.

Health and welfare benefits of computerized cognitive enrichment in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program

Cognitive enrichment is becoming more prevalent in professional marine mammal facilities. Research with dolphins has suggested that such enrichment provides more welfare benefits than enrichment that does not incorporate cognitive challenge. However, there is little research supporting the use of...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Marine Mammal

Citation: Winship, K., McClain, A., Ramos, A. et al. 2024. Health and welfare benefits of computerized cognitive enrichment in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program. Animals 14(7), 1120.