Publications

A systematic approach to defining and verifying descriptors used in the Qualitative Behavioural Assessment of sows

Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) is a welfare evaluation tool that uses a holistic approach to capturing an animal's emotional state. Lists of QBA descriptors validated to assess pig welfare exist, but their definitions are often not described in peer-reviewed literature...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Ibach, S., Chou, J.-Y., Battini, M. et al. 2024. A systematic approach to defining and verifying descriptors used in the Qualitative Behavioural Assessment of sows. Animal Welfare 33, e8.

The effects of different feed ration levels on growth, welfare rating, and early maturation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under...

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

Citation: Imsland, A. K. D., Methúsalemsson, H. 2024. The effects of different feed ration levels on growth, welfare rating, and early maturation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Fishes 9(2), 70.

Effects of gabapentin on the treatment of behavioral disorders in dogs: A retrospective evaluation

The use of gabapentin in treating dogs with behavioral disorders is not well described. To characterize behavioral effects of gabapentin, this study surveyed 50 owners whose dogs were prescribed gabapentin at a veterinary behavior-focused practice over a five-year period. Most...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Kirby-Madden, T., Waring, C. T., Herron, M. 2024. Effects of gabapentin on the treatment of behavioral disorders in dogs: A retrospective evaluation. Animals 14(10), 1462.

Apneustic anesthesia ventilation improves pulmonary function in anesthetized bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Our study suggests AAV, which more closely resembles the conscious intermittent respiratory pattern phenotype of dolphins, improves ventilation and pulmonary function in the anesthetized dolphin. Future studies should evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of neutral buoyancy and cardiopulmonary sparing drug protocols...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Marine Mammal

Citation: Le-Bert, C. R., Bukoski, A., Downs, J. et al. 2024. Apneustic anesthesia ventilation improves pulmonary function in anesthetized bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11.

Effects of vatinoxan in rats sedated with a combination of medetomidine, midazolam and fentanyl

Alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists (α2-agonists) are widely used in animals as sedatives and for pre-anaesthetic medication. Medetomidine has often been given subcutaneously (SC) to rats, although its absorption rate is slow and the individual variation in serum drug concentrations is high via...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Lindh, E., Meller, A., Raekallio, M. 2024. Effects of vatinoxan in rats sedated with a combination of medetomidine, midazolam and fentanyl. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 66(1), 23.

Perceptions of 3R implementation in European animal research: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis of barriers and facilitators

Objectives The purpose of this systematic review was to examine how the scientific community in Europe that is involved with research with animals perceives and experiences the implementation of 3R (Replace, Reduce, Refine). Methods A systematic search of the literature...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Regulations & Ethical ReviewAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Louis-Maerten, E., Milford, A., Shaw, D. M. et al. 2024. Perceptions of 3R implementation in European animal research: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis of barriers and facilitators. PLOS ONE 19(3), e0300031.

Recommendations for measuring and standardizing light for laboratory mammals to improve welfare and reproducibility in animal research

Light enables vision and exerts widespread effects on physiology and behavior, including regulating circadian rhythms, sleep, hormone synthesis, affective state, and cognitive processes. Appropriate lighting in animal facilities may support welfare and ensure that animals enter experiments in an appropriate...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: All/General, Cat, Dog, Goat, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Pig, Rat, Rodent, Sheep, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Lucas, R. J., Allen, A. E., Brainard, G. C. et al. 2024. Recommendations for measuring and standardizing light for laboratory mammals to improve welfare and reproducibility in animal research. PLOS Biology 22(3), e3002535.

The effect of repeated blood harvesting from pregnant mares on haematological variables

Studies have been carried out on the effect of large-volume blood harvesting from horses, but they were performed on nonpregnant horses of various breeds other than Icelandic horses. This study aimed to investigate the effect on the haematological variables indicating...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Oddsdóttir, C., Jónsdóttir, H. K., Sturludóttir, E. et al. 2024. The effect of repeated blood harvesting from pregnant mares on haematological variables. Animals 14(5), 745.

Life in a fishbowl: Space and environmental enrichment affect behaviour of Betta splendens

The public has expressed growing concern for the well-being of fishes, including popular pet species such as the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). In captivity, male Bettas behave aggressively, often causing injuries and death if housed together. As a result,...

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

Citation: Oldfield, R. G., Murphy, E. K. 2024. Life in a fishbowl: Space and environmental enrichment affect behaviour of Betta splendens. Animal Welfare 33, e1.

The influence of water nitrate concentration combined with elevated temperature on rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in an experimental aquaponic setup

Intensive recirculating systems are a fast-developing sector of aquaculture. While several warm-water fish have been reared in aquaponics, almost no data are available for cold-water species. The determination of nitrate toxicity thresholds in recirculating aquaculture is crucial. Different pollutants are...

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

Citation: Papadopoulos, D. K., Lattos, A., Chatzigeorgiou, I. et al. 2024. The influence of water nitrate concentration combined with elevated temperature on rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in an experimental aquaponic setup. Fishes 9(2), 74.