Sleep preferences in CD1 mice in a laboratory environment (2025)

Mackay, F., Teggart, M.

Abstract

This study investigates the preferences of CD1 mice in a lab environment for various sleeping enrichment options within their cages. Understanding the environmental factors that influence sleep behaviour is crucial for enhancing animal welfare in laboratory settings. We assessed two different types of sleeping enrichments: Fat rat huts and dome homes. Over a 10-day period we monitored the time spent by the mice in each enrichment type, recording their resting behaviours and overall activity levels. Our findings indicate a significant preference for fat rat huts where mice exhibited longer periods of undisturbed sleep compared to the other options. This preference suggests that the structural and spatial characteristics of sleeping environments play a critical role in the well-being of CD1 mice. These results highlight the importance of providing appropriate sleeping enrichments in laboratory settings to promote natural behaviours and improve Animal Welfare ultimately contributing to more reliable research outcomes.