Environmental Enrichment

The use of mirrors as a form of environmental enrichment for the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Primates have a fascination with mirrors. There is much literature available although no previous studies have been carried out to determine the benefits of mirrors for the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Initially a six week study was conducted to assess...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Cooper, A., Spice, R. 2011. The use of mirrors as a form of environmental enrichment for the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Animal Technology and Welfare 10(2), 79-84.

Nylon cylinder: Safe and cost-effective chewable rat enrichment

Offering enrichment to stimulate chewing behavior in rats has been found to promote psychologic and physiologic wellbeing. While there are many commercially produced nylon products available for use as chewable enrichment, these items are costly, especially with current economic constraints....

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Witt, S. L., Plews, C. A., Ruppert, G. et al. 2011. Nylon cylinder: Safe and cost-effective chewable rat enrichment. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 782 (Abstract #P174).

Shelter choice by Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in the laboratory

The preference of Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) for different in-cage shelters was tested. First, 15 males and 15 females were made to choose between a cage with a shelter and one without. Different shelters were tested consecutively: short (10-cm) or...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Veillette, M., Reebs, S. G. 2011. Shelter choice by Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in the laboratory. Animal Welfare 20(4), 603-611.

Comparison of pig behaviour when given a sequence of enrichment objects or a chain continuously

Tail biting is a major problem in modern pig (Sus scrofa) production and results in a reduction of animal welfare and productive performance. Biting behaviour has been shown to be decreased by the use of enrichment objects. In this study,...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Van de Perre, V., Driessen, B., Van Thielen, J. et al. 2011. Comparison of pig behaviour when given a sequence of enrichment objects or a chain continuously. Animal Welfare 20(4), 641-649.

Effect of environmental enrichment after the occurrence of wet bedding created by mice and abnormal fur in mice

In management of laboratory animals, wet bedding created by mice and abnormal fur in mice cause problems on housing, leading to negative effects both on the wellbeing of mice and on the validity of experimental results. Most studies have investigated...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Tosa, N., Yoshimatsu, K., Arikawa, J. 2011. Effect of environmental enrichment after the occurrence of wet bedding created by mice and abnormal fur in mice. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 779-780 (Abstract #P161).

Environmental enrichment program in transgenic mouse breeding colonies

Results of studies on the benefits of environmental enrichment in group-housed mice and breeding colonies are often inconsistent and conflicting. After observing a significant drop in some of the genetically engineered mice (GEM) breeding colonies during a major construction project...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Reed, M., Goldsteen, D. L., Moore, E. et al. 2011. Environmental enrichment program in transgenic mouse breeding colonies. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 779 (Abstract #P160).

Common Marmoset Care [Online resource]

The three main divisions of 'marmosetcare.com' aim respectively to promote: an understanding of the range of behaviour in this species, placing this behaviour in the context of its natural habitat and promoting good welfare in captive environments. Topics covered in...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Handling, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Natural Behavior, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: NC3Rs, University of Stirling. 2011. Common Marmoset Care [Online resource].

Integrating aromatherapy into the nonhuman primate enrichment program

Aromatherapy has been used as a method for reducing anxiety and increasing relaxation throughout history. The Chinese were credited with using aromatic plants for wellbeing. They would burn incense to help create balance and harmony. The Egyptians used distillation and...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Tate, M. K., Wu, F., Dugan, C. M. 2011. Integrating aromatherapy into the nonhuman primate enrichment program. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 776-777 (Abstract #P147).

The effect of housing and environmental enrichment on stereotyped behavior of adult vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)

Little information is available on the response of vervet monkeys to different housing conditions or on the suitability of enrichment devices or methods for vervet monkeys. In this study, the authors evaluated the occurrence of stereotyped behavior in adult vervet...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Seier, J., de Villiers, C., van Heerden, J. et al. 2011. The effect of housing and environmental enrichment on stereotyped behavior of adult vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). Lab Animal 40(7), 218-224.

Evaluating paint rollers as an intervention for alopecia in monkeys in the laboratory (Macaca nemestrina)

Adult female macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in the laboratory with alopecia from known or suspected overgrooming were subjects in a study evaluating effectiveness of a grooming device. The intervention evaluated was a paint roller on a metal bar hung on the...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Runeson, E. P., Lee, G. H., Crockett, C. M. et al. 2011. Evaluating paint rollers as an intervention for alopecia in monkeys in the laboratory (Macaca nemestrina). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 14(2), 138-149.