Environmental Enrichment

Gestational enrichment of commercial breeding dams (Canis familiaris) influences offspring behaviour

The benefits of environmental enrichment for kennelled dog welfare have been widely demonstrated. Research in rodents shows that provision of maternal environmental enrichment during gestation can also influence the behavioural development of the offspring. However, the effects of prenatal enrichment...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, ReproductionAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Baqueiro-Espinosa, U., McEvoy, V., Donnelly, P. et al. 2025. Gestational enrichment of commercial breeding dams (Canis familiaris) influences offspring behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 292, 106779.

Effects of two types of environmental enrichment on the behavior of dogs in shelters

The domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris, is commonly kept in shelters. In these locations, features such as confinement, forced intraspecific and interspecific contact, and lack of environmental stimulation can diminish the welfare of dogs. One way to avoid poor welfare...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Antonino, G. V., Lovestain, D. D. C., Burle, M. M. de C. et al. 2025. Effects of two types of environmental enrichment on the behavior of dogs in shelters. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 80, 28–38.

The maintenance conditions of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) breeding stock affect the survival and behavior of their offspring

The environment in which we live influences our biological traits throughout our ontogeny, being markedly significant during the beginning of our lives. Some characteristics inherited (genetically and/or epigenetically) from parents can also influence individual development, known as transgenerational effects. In...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, ReproductionAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Amaral, F. U. I., Pompermaier, A., Rutikoski, G. et al. 2025. The maintenance conditions of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) breeding stock affect the survival and behavior of their offspring. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 292, 106761.

Effects of different ways of music stimulation on exploring, playing and aggressive behavior

In the breeding of farm animals, music serves as an environmental enrichment factor that can improve the mood and welfare level of animals. However, it is not clear whether pigs receiving different modes of musical stimulation can improve cognitive performance....

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Wu, M., Wang, Z., Zhou, S. et al. 2025. Effects of different ways of music stimulation on exploring, playing and aggressive behavior. Animals 15(18), 2721.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of physical environmental enrichment to improve animal welfare-related outcomes in indoor cattle

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various physical environmental enrichment items such as brushes, ropes, teats, chains, balls, cowhides/blocks, at improving the welfare of indoor-housed calves, heifers, and cattle. This review of 33 peer-reviewed papers and one...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Unsal, G., Johnson, K. F., Stergiadis, S. et al. 2025. A systematic review and meta-analysis of physical environmental enrichment to improve animal welfare-related outcomes in indoor cattle. Animal Welfare 34, e37.

Effects of enclosure size on the preferences of juvenile chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

This study investigated the cage size preferences of juvenile chinchillas using enclosures that allowed free choice between different dimensions. Three comparisons were tested: (1) small floor area (0.15 m2) vs. double floor area (0.30 m2) at constant height; (2) low...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Rodent

Citation: Szendrő, Z., Łapiński, S., Matics, Z. et al. 2025. Effects of enclosure size on the preferences of juvenile chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). Animals 15(17), 2483.

Individual preferences for scented water bowls in dogs

Introduction While food preferences have been extensively studied, much less is known about water preferences in dogs, especially regarding preferences for non-consumptive scented items attached to water bowls. As a form of sensory enrichment, scents can increase engagement and were...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Sonowal, R., Hall, N. J., Stellato, A. C. 2025. Individual preferences for scented water bowls in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12.

How does food enrichment and the presence of visitors affect the behaviour of two species of freshwater fish in a public aquarium?

Food-based environmental enrichment (EE) is a valuable strategy for stimulating foraging behaviour in fish under human care, as it increases the challenge of food acquisition and encourages prolonged engagement in this activity. Curimbas (Prochilodus argenteus) and pacus (Myleus micans) are...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Silva, A. A., Azevedo, C. S. de, Cipreste, C. F. et al. 2025. How does food enrichment and the presence of visitors affect the behaviour of two species of freshwater fish in a public aquarium? Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens 6(3), 35.

The welfare of cattle in different housing systems

The review provides an overview of research concerning the assessment of cattle welfare in different housing systems. Hence, it restricts its scope to factors known to have a particular influence on the expression of their natural behaviours. It analyses the...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Pilarczyk, B., Pilarczyk, R., Bąkowska, M. et al. 2025. The welfare of cattle in different housing systems. Animals 15(13), 1972.

Evaluating the suitability of substrate enrichment for Zebrafish in high-capacity research aquaria

Zebrafish, Danio rerio, show a preference for substrate enrichment within their tanks however this is seldom included within high-capacity research aquaria due to fears its inclusion may impact on their ability to breed on demand. To investigate this potential impact...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, ReproductionAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: McKay-West, J., Green, M., Chance, R. 2025. Evaluating the suitability of substrate enrichment for Zebrafish in high-capacity research aquaria. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 108–112.