Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement

A novel welfare and scientific approach to conducting dog metabolism studies allowing dogs to be pair housed

Metabolism cages are designed to conduct absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) studies, enabling an ‘excretion balance’ scientific objective to be met. Historically, the design of dog metabolism cages has involved single housing. This type of housing has limitations for...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Kendrick, J., Stow, R., Ibbotson, N. et al. 2020. A novel welfare and scientific approach to conducting dog metabolism studies allowing dogs to be pair housed. Laboratory Animals 54(6), 588-598.

Natural horse boarding vs traditional stable: A comparison of hormonal, hematological and immunological parameters

In the equestrian world, two different types of management can be distinguished: traditional management and natural boarding. The aim of this research was to compare hormonal, hematological and immunological parameters of 47 horses kept in these two different managements. Blood...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, HousingAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Placci, M., Marliani, G., Sabioni, S. et al. 2020. Natural horse boarding vs traditional stable: A comparison of hormonal, hematological and immunological parameters. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 23(3), 366-377.

Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: Moving from invasive to noninvasive methods

Research in ecology and wildlife biology remains crucial for increasing our knowledge and improving species management and conservation in the midst of the current biodiversity crisis. However, obtaining information on population status often involves invasive sampling of a certain number...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Identification Method, RestraintAnimal Type: All/General, Amphibian, Crocodile & Alligator, Fish, Frog & Toad, Lizard, Nonhuman Primate, Other Animal, Other Fish, Reptile, Salamander, Snake, Turtle & Tortoise

Citation: Zemanova, M. A. 2020. Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: Moving from invasive to noninvasive methods. Wildlife Biology 2020(1), no page numbers.

Respirometer in a box: Development and use of a portable field respirometer for estimating oxygen consumption of large‐bodied fishes

Respirometry has become the standard method for measuring the metabolic rate of fishes. Traditionally, respirometry has required the fish to be kept in captivity and tested under controlled conditions; however, many species do not readily adapt to captivity, and stress...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish, Salmon, Tilapia, Trout, Zebrafish

Citation: Byrnes, E. E., Lear, K. O., Morgan, D. L. et al. 2020. Respirometer in a box: Development and use of a portable field respirometer for estimating oxygen consumption of large‐bodied fishes. Journal of Fish Biology 96(4), 1045-1050.

The cotton rat – a new challenge

This poster describes how the Animal Technologists at Envigo adapted their current practices and procedures for a new species at their laboratory: the cotton rat. The paper describes cotton rat biology and behaviour; housing; environmental enrichment; health; dosing and blood...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Anesthesia & Sedation, Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Drug/Substance Administration, Environmental Enrichment, Euthanasia, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Ballantine, A., Rodgers, D., Watts, C. et al. 2020. The cotton rat – a new challenge. Animal Technology and Welfare 19(1), 92-95.

The impact of common recovery blood sampling methods, in mice (Mus musculus), on well-being and sample quality: A systematic review

Blood sampling is often performed in laboratory mice. Sampling techniques have the potential to cause pain, distress and impact on lifetime cumulative experience. In spite of institutions commonly providing guidance to researchers on these methods, and the existence of published...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Whittaker, A. L., Barker, T. H. 2020. The impact of common recovery blood sampling methods, in mice (Mus musculus), on well-being and sample quality: A systematic review. Animals 10(6), 989.

Assessment of hematologic and corticosterone response in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at capture and after handling

Hematology is a common tool for wildlife health assessments. Manual leukocyte counts are required in reptiles, however, disagreement between quantification methods has been observed in some chelonians. This study determined agreement between two methods of leukocyte quantification, eosinophilic leukopet, and...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, HandlingAnimal Type: Reptile, Turtle & Tortoise

Citation: Boers, K. L., Allender, M. C., Novak, L. J. et al. 2020. Assessment of hematologic and corticosterone response in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at capture and after handling. Zoo Biology 39(1), 13-22.

Assessment of non-contact infrared thermometer measurement sites in birds

The standard method of obtaining body temperature in a bird can be a stressful event, making routine evaluations challenging. Twenty-eight privately owned birds in good health were enrolled in the study to compare digital and infrared (IR) temperature readings. Digital...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken, Finch, Other Bird, Parrot

Citation: Anderson, J., Kaplan-Stein, S., Adolph, S. et al. 2020. Assessment of non-contact infrared thermometer measurement sites in birds. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 23(2), 131-139.

Automated collection and analysis of infrared thermograms for measuring eye and cheek temperatures in calves

As the reliance upon automated systems in the livestock industry increases, technologies need to be developed which can be incorporated into these systems to monitor animal health and welfare. Infrared thermography (IRT) is one such technology that has been used...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Lowe, G., McCane, B., Sutherland, M. et al. 2020. Automated collection and analysis of infrared thermograms for measuring eye and cheek temperatures in calves. Animals 10(2), 292.

Best practices for non-lethal blood sampling of fish via the caudal vasculature

Blood sampling through the caudal vasculature is a widely used technique in fish biology for investigating organismal health and physiology. In live fishes, it can provide a quick, easy and relatively non‐invasive method for obtaining a blood sample (cf ....

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish, Salmon, Tilapia, Trout, Zebrafish

Citation: Lawrence, M. J., Raby, G. D., Teffer, A. K. et al. 2020. Best practices for non-lethal blood sampling of fish via the caudal vasculature. Journal of Fish Biology 97(1), 4–15.