Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement

Thermoneutral environment improves mouse welfare and reduces stress in metabolic cages

Metabolic cages (MCs) are often used to collect feces and urine samples. However, the housing of mice in MCs can be stressful, potentially affecting parameters of interest. Here we compare our standard protocol for individual MC housing (4 days at 23 °C:...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Villiger, P., Calvet, C., Pastor-Arroyo, E. M. et al. 2025. Thermoneutral environment improves mouse welfare and reduces stress in metabolic cages. Lab Animal 54(11), 303–312.

Accuracy of smartwatches for measuring heart rate and oxygen saturation in cynomolgus macaques compared to clinical standards

Continuous monitoring of physiological parameters in non-human primates (NHPs) necessitates a precise, non-invasive, and convenient method. This study aimed to validate the use of smartwatches with integrated pulse oximetry and heart rate (HR) monitoring capabilities for use in NHPs. Currently,...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Tiplady, M., Douchant, K., Winterborn, A. N. 2025. Accuracy of smartwatches for measuring heart rate and oxygen saturation in cynomolgus macaques compared to clinical standards. Laboratory Animals 59(4), 508–517.

Managed care of naked mole-rats

Naked mole-rats are a burgeoning model species in the field of biomedical research and are also housed at many zoos throughout the world. These mammals possess many traits that have a large impact on the way that they are kept...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Environmental Enrichment, Handling, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Identification Method, Rearing & Weaning, Relocation & Transport, Reproduction, Restraint, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Mole Rat, Rodent

Citation: Smith, M., Buffenstein, R. 2021. Managed care of naked mole-rats. In: R. Buffenstein, T. J. Park, M. M. Holmes (Eds.), The Extraordinary Biology of the Naked Mole-Rat. Springer International Publishing, pp. 381–407.

Innovative cage-based technique for mouse urine collection

Accurate and humane collection of mouse urine samples is crucial for research studies and health monitoring of laboratory mouse colonies. Conventional methods may stress animals and compromise sample quality. To address these challenges, we developed a natural and animal-friendly approach...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Huang, J., Wang, Y., Gao, Y. et al. 2025. Innovative cage-based technique for mouse urine collection. Laboratory Animals 59(4), 464–470.

The use of vascular access buttons for drug administration and blood sampling in the rabbit

This poster discusses the challenges of blood collection in rabbits for pharmacokinetic (PK) and Pharmacodynamic (PD) studies and presents alternative solutions using vascular access devices.

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Cannulation, Catheterization, & IntubationAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Hale, E., Gittins, K., Jones, J. et al. 2025. The use of vascular access buttons for drug administration and blood sampling in the rabbit. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 180–182.

A scoping review on salivary oxytocin and vasopressin measurement in the dog

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are attracting interest as potential measures for dog welfare and human-dog interactions. The potential for detection and measurement of these two neuropeptides in canine saliva provides a viable alternative to more invasive collection methods. This...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: De Santis, M., Soncin, M., Bertazzo, V. et al. 2025. A scoping review on salivary oxytocin and vasopressin measurement in the dog. Animals 15(16), 2421.

Tracking epidermal cortisol and oxytocin in managed bottlenose dolphins as potential non-invasive physiological welfare indicators

Growing concern over cetacean welfare has highlighted the need for rigorous, science-based assessment methods. Within this context, epidermal cortisol (ECC) and oxytocin (EOC) concentrations have emerged as potentially valuable physiological indicators. In this study, we first validated the analytical measurement...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Marine Mammal

Citation: Agustí, C., Talló-Parra, O., Tejero-Caballo, E. et al. 2025. Tracking epidermal cortisol and oxytocin in managed bottlenose dolphins as potential non-invasive physiological welfare indicators. Animals 15(17), 2628.

Jacketed telemetry in rats: A novel non-invasive method for cardiorespiratory phenotyping during treadmill exercise

The development of alternative methods for monitoring cardiorespiratory function without restraint or surgical implantation is attracting growing interest for both ethical and scientific reasons. For this purpose, a new non-invasive jacketed telemetry tool consisting in a radio device maintained in...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, External Bodily EquipmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Tanguy, S., Cambier, A., Fontana-Pires, L. et al. 2025. Jacketed telemetry in rats: A novel non-invasive method for cardiorespiratory phenotyping during treadmill exercise. Laboratory Animals 59(2), 215–225.

Inconsistent terminology in rodent anatomy hinders appropriate blood sampling in laboratory animal science: A review of blood sampling techniques on the head of mice

Blood sampling is often performed during animal studies. This is more challenging in mice than in larger animal species owing to their size and lack of blood vessel visibility. Guidelines for blood sampling in mice and papers on animal welfare...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Štrbenc, M. 2025. Inconsistent terminology in rodent anatomy hinders appropriate blood sampling in laboratory animal science: A review of blood sampling techniques on the head of mice. Laboratory Animals 59(3), 332–341.

Exploring the utility of the gut microbiome as a longitudinal health monitoring tool in sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

The primary goal of captive primate management is to ensure optimal health and welfare of the animals in our care. Given that the gut microbiome interacts closely with host metabolism, immunity, and even cognition, it represents a potentially powerful tool...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Amato, K. R., Lake, B. R., Ozminkowski, S. et al. 2025. Exploring the utility of the gut microbiome as a longitudinal health monitoring tool in sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). American Journal of Primatology 87(3), e70004.