Quantitative assessment of facial barbering recovery in response to environmental enrichment: A case report (2025)

Sgai, M. G., Zaias, J.

Abstract

Environmental enrichment was shown to delay the onset and reduce the prevalence and severity of barbering-induced alopecia in C57BL/6J mice.1,4 To reduce the frequency of barbering, we provided a multifaceted enrichment scheme to a mouse with severe facial barbering. Herein, we present a scoring matrix used to characterize and document overall severity and recovery from barbering. Upon detection of facial barbering, a comprehensive environmental enrichment protocol was immediately implemented. The enrichment protocol consisted of multiple types of nesting substrates, including shredded paper towels, and cotton nesting material, sufficient to encourage nest-building behavior; a hammock was created using a disposable mask, which effectively increased the usable cage space and provided an additional elevated resting area; paper-based shelters; PVC tubing for exploration; dried banana pieces; and some regular food was scattered throughout the bedding.This case report suggests that even well-established barbering with significant hair loss may be substantially reversed through the implementation of multiple and varied types of environmental enrichment and could significantly reduce the prevalence and severity of barbering in research mouse colonies. The use of a scoring matrix presented provides an objective assessment of severity/recovery.