Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement

Assessing stress in dogs during saliva sampling in socio-psychological research: Preliminary development of animal-friendly practical procedures

This study evaluates the procedure for collecting saliva to measure salivary cortisol levels in dogs, focusing on the potential stress induced by saliva collection in unfamiliar experimental settings. While salivary cortisol measurement is widely regarded as a non-invasive method for...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Treder-Rochna, N., Chruściel, E., Gajewska, M. A. et al. 2026. Assessing stress in dogs during saliva sampling in socio-psychological research: Preliminary development of animal-friendly practical procedures. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 294, 106868.

Advancing ethical standards in Göttingen Minipigs studies: The feasibility and reliability of Vascular Access ButtonsTM

The use of Vascular Access ButtonsTM (VABs) is gaining traction in animal research as a less invasive alternative to traditional venipuncture methods and a superior option compared with existing alternatives, such as vascular access ports (VAPs). By enabling repeated blood...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Drug/Substance AdministrationAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Reijnaers, M., van Dijk, J., Warmels, G. et al. 2026. Advancing ethical standards in Göttingen Minipigs studies: The feasibility and reliability of Vascular Access ButtonsTM. Laboratory Animals 60(1), 85–95.

The effects of human presence, restraint, and stressed neighbors on corticosterone levels in domesticated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Limiting stress during interactions between captive animals and humans is important for effective husbandry. One physiological change during the vertebrate stress response is the release of glucocorticoid hormones. Here, we measured plasma corticosterone in female domesticated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) to...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Handling, Human-Animal Interaction, RestraintAnimal Type: Bird, Parrot

Citation: Reichard, D. G., Summers, K. V. 2026. The effects of human presence, restraint, and stressed neighbors on corticosterone levels in domesticated budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Zoo Biology 45(1), 37–45.

Application of minimally invasive physiological monitoring techniques in pigs for scientific purposes

Wearable and implantable physiological monitors are designed for minimally invasive health assessment in companion animals. We aimed to establish proof-of-concept for the use of PetPace collar monitors and VetChip implantable monitoring devices in pigs. PetPace monitors were used to measure...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, External Bodily EquipmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Layton, R., Beggs, D., Mansell, P. et al. 2026. Application of minimally invasive physiological monitoring techniques in pigs for scientific purposes. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 29(1), 188–197.

A software based, minimally invasive validated image processing approach for the visualization of blood flow dynamics in mice

Background The blood flow changes due to various physiological or pathological causes represent the response of the CNS for the maintenance of metabolic and functional requirements of the brain and related structures. Visualization of blood dynamics can enable the monitoring...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Imaging & Electrophysiological RecordingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: İnan, T., Doğru, M. T., Sara, M. Y. et al. 2026. A software based, minimally invasive validated image processing approach for the visualization of blood flow dynamics in mice. Journal of Neuroscience Methods 431, 110747.

Robust noninvasive detection of hyperglycemia in mouse models of metabolic dysregulation using the novel Urination Index biomarker

Blood glucose is one of the most essential parameters in metabolic research. Yet, accurate blood glucose monitoring in mouse models of diabetes is challenging owing to the substantial stress associated with the measurements and the variability in diabetes development among...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Disease/Experimental ModelAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Brachs, S., Dall, M., Zimbalski, L.-K. et al. 2025. Robust noninvasive detection of hyperglycemia in mouse models of metabolic dysregulation using the novel Urination Index biomarker. Lab Animal 54(12), 379–389.

Agreement between arterial blood pressures measured non-invasively and invasively in anaesthetised sheep

Both invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measuring methods are used in clinical and experimental work in veterinary medicine and several studies validating these methods are published. The aim of this study was to assess the level of agreement between non-invasive...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Sheep

Citation: Sainmaa, S. K., Adam, M. A. H., Casoni, D. C. et al. 2025. Agreement between arterial blood pressures measured non-invasively and invasively in anaesthetised sheep. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 67(1), 54.

Tears and saliva as alternative matrices for minimally invasive assessment of acute stress and pain in sheep

This study evaluated tears and saliva as alternatives to blood for determining cortisol concentration in healthy and chronically lame Merino meat sheep with dermatitis interdigitalis contagiosa (DINCO). Twelve healthy (HEALTHY) and 36 sheep with DINCO were included. After enrollment and...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Sheep

Citation: Rachidi, F., Wagner, R., Fieseler, H. et al. 2026. Tears and saliva as alternative matrices for minimally invasive assessment of acute stress and pain in sheep. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 13

Video based heart rate detection in unrestrained laboratory rats: A feasibility analysis

Continuous monitoring of vital signs in laboratory animals is often essential for reliable scientific results and severity assessment. It still depends on invasive approaches such as transponder implementation, which affect the animals well-being. To minimize this impact, a camera-based method...

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

Citation: Monissen, J., Mösch, L., Monissen, M. et al. 2025. Video based heart rate detection in unrestrained laboratory rats: A feasibility analysis. Scientific Reports 15(1), 37935.

Short-term storage conditions do not affect canine fecal cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations

Fecal cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) are frequently used biomarkers in animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and other fields. However, these research settings often lack immediate access to a -80 °C freezer or other ultra-low temperature storage equipment. This study...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Lenz, O. C., Powell, L., Reinhard, C. L. et al. 2026. Short-term storage conditions do not affect canine fecal cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations. Scientific Reports 16(1), 7132.