Environmental Enrichment

Evaluation of different types of enrichment – their usage and effect on home cage behavior in female mice

Numerous studies ascertained positive effects of enriched environments on the well-being of laboratory animals including behavioral, physiological and neurochemical parameters. Conversely, such conclusions imply impaired animal welfare and health in barren husbandry conditions. Moreover, inappropriate housing of laboratory animals may...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Hobbiesiefken, U., Mieske, P., Lewejohann, L. et al. 2021. Evaluation of different types of enrichment - their usage and effect on home cage behavior in female mice. PLOS ONE 16(12), e0261876.

Considering sustenance preference to motivate and enhance NHP learning and performance

Finding and utilizing the specific taste preferences of the rhesus macaque in the laboratory setting can be a valuable step towards promoting cooperative, positively reinforced training. It can also be a wonderful tool for enrichment by allowing the subject to...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Animal Training, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Gregoire, A. 2022. Considering sustenance preference to motivate and enhance NHP learning and performance. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(1) (January/February), 12-14.

Enhancing animal welfare by providing custom caging space for nonhuman primates

The YNPRC recently renovated two NHP housing areas with a novel facility design and equipped with a customized caging system that offers additional outdoor access, socialization, and enrichment opportunities for NHPs assigned to infectious disease studies, awaiting biomedical research assignment,...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Stammen, R. L., Cohen, J. K., Connor-Stroud, F. R. et al. 2022. Enhancing animal welfare by providing custom caging space for nonhuman primates. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(1) (January/February), 20-23.

Creative enrichment for nonhuman primates

Providing novel and creative enrichments for nonhuman primates improves their mental wellbeing and is thus an important aspect of all husbandry programs. These enrichments are often presented through variations in diet, toys, and environmental features. The challenge with any type...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Medina, A. 2022. Creative enrichment for nonhuman primates. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(1) (January/February), 42-43.

DIY: Ants on a log

This traditional snack has a variety of options for NHP enrichment. From fruit to cereals, get creative with the “ants” and remember to consider different fillings for the celery log.

Citation: Buchanan, K. 2022. DIY: Ants on a log. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(1) (January/February), 44.

Refining enrichment toy interactions in common marmosets through usage assessment

Apart from species-typical foraging behavior, a large body of the literature addresses enriching captive marmoset environments through structural and housing adaptations to promote activity and exploration. These studies simulate vertical elements and climbing substrates in the captive environment and are...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Aird, T., Pierre, P. J. 2022. Refining enrichment toy interactions in common marmosets through usage assessment. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(1) (January/February), 64-66.

The impact of environmental enrichment on red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys elegans)

This study aimed to determine whether tank enrichment improved positive species-specific behaviors (those that benefit the animals' overall well-being), such as basking, and/or decreased negative behaviors (those that may indicate stress, agitation, or discomfort), such as dragging limbs, in red-eared...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Reptile, Turtle & Tortoise

Citation: Lane, S., Williams, W., Mayo, M. 2022. The impact of environmental enrichment on red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys elegans). Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(3) (May/June), 18-20.

Chicken gummy dog treats

Here is a simple, fast, and easy recipe for making homemade dog gummies only using 2 ingredients. The main ingredient in gelatin is collagen, a protein found in animal tissues, ligaments, tendons, bones, and skin. For this recipe, organic chicken...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Buchanan, K. 2022. Chicken gummy dog treats. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 10(3) (May/June), 42.

Effects of pen enrichment on leg health of fast and slower-growing broiler chickens

Pen enrichment for broiler chickens is one of the potential strategies to stimulate locomotion and consequently contribute to better leg health and welfare. This study was designed to evaluate effects of using a plethora of pen enrichments (barrier perches, angular...

Year Published: 2021Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Güz, B. C., de Jong, I. C., Da Silva, C. S. et al. 2021 Effects of pen enrichment on leg health of fast and slower-growing broiler chickens. PLOS ONE 16(12), e0254462.

Increasing shelter cat welfare through enrichment: A review

Research into cat behavior has gained more attention in recent years. As one of the world's most popular companion animals, work in this field has potential to have wide-reaching benefits. Cats living in shelters are posed with distinct welfare concerns....

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Houser, B., Vitale, K. R. 2022. Increasing shelter cat welfare through enrichment: A review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 248, 105585.