Environmental Enrichment

Shade as enrichment: Testing preferences for shelter in two model fish species

We compared preferences shown by zebrafish (Danio rerio) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) for shelter provided by above-tank shade and artificial plants. Zebrafish showed no preference for either shelter, whereas sticklebacks showed a preference for both shelter types over open...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Jones, N. A. R., Spence, R., Jones, F. A. M. et al. 2019. Shade as enrichment: Testing preferences for shelter in two model fish species. Journal of Fish Biology 95(4), 1161-1165.

International survey on the use and welfare of zebrafish Danio rerio in research

A survey was conducted regarding zebrafish Danio rerio use for scientific research with a focus on: anaesthesia and euthanasia; housing and husbandry; breeding and production; refinement opportunities. A total of 98 survey responses were received from laboratories in 22 countries...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Anesthesia & Sedation, Environmental Enrichment, Euthanasia, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Identification Method, ReproductionAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Lidster, K., Readman, G. D., Prescott, M. J. et al. 2017. International survey on the use and welfare of zebrafish Danio rerio in research. Journal of Fish Biology 90(5), 1891-1905.

Technician spotlight: Jessica Brekke’s “rat hammock” design

This article describes how to make an inexpensive 'rat hammock' out of PVC tunnels for standard-housed laboratory rats.

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Animal Welfare Institute. 2019. Technician spotlight: Jessica Brekke's “rat hammock” design. AWI Quarterly 68(4) Winter, 9.

Let’s get serious about animal play

This article describes the importance of providing laboratory animals with opportunities to engage in play, and provides a few practical ideas for how to do this.

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: All/General, Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Rat, Rodent, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Animal Welfare Institute. 2019. Let's get serious about animal play. AWI Quarterly 68(3) Fall, 19.

Rabbit enrichment items: Getting bang for the buck (and doe)

A recent discussion on the Laboratory Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum (LAREF) focused on new enrichment ideas for rabbits. Contributors shared their experiences about which toys and treats get rave reviews from rabbits.

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Animal Welfare Institute. 2019. Rabbit enrichment items: Getting bang for the buck (and doe). AWI Quarterly 68(1) Spring, 24-25.

Assessing the safety and suitability of nesting material for singly housed mice with surgically fitted head plates

Nesting material, for example shredded paper, is a common form of enrichment for laboratory mice. However, there has been limited research performed regarding its apparent safety when given to mice fitted with exteriorised devices such as head plates. Anecdotally, shredded...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental Enrichment, External Bodily EquipmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Windsor, Z., Bate, S. T. 2019. Assessing the safety and suitability of nesting material for singly housed mice with surgically fitted head plates. Heliyon 5(7), e02097.

Structural complexity in the hatchery rearing environment affects activity, resting metabolic rate and post-release behaviour in brown trout Salmo trutta

The effects of structural enrichment in the hatchery rearing environment of brown trout Salmo trutta was linked to post-release performance. Enrichment resulted in reduced swimming activity scored in an open field test and reduced movement in a natural river after...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Fish, Trout

Citation: Watz, J. 2019. Structural complexity in the hatchery rearing environment affects activity, resting metabolic rate and post-release behaviour in brown trout Salmo trutta. Journal of Fish Biology 95(2), 638-641.

Effects of environmental enrichment on survivorship, growth, sex ratio and behaviour in laboratory maintained zebrafish Danio rerio

Environmental enrichment involves increasing the complexity of a fish's environment in order to improve welfare. Researchers are legally obliged to consider the welfare of laboratory animals and poor welfare may result in less robust data in experimental science. Laboratory zebrafish...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Lee, C. J., Paull, G. C., Tyler, C. R. 2019. Effects of environmental enrichment on survivorship, growth, sex ratio and behaviour in laboratory maintained zebrafish Danio rerio. Journal of Fish Biology 94(1), 86-95.

Horn of calf hooves as chews in laboratory dogs

European law recommends the enrichment of laboratory dogs with chewing objects. This study examines the suitability of the horn of calf hooves for this purpose and was performed with 62 dogs (60 beagles, 2 Foxhound Boehringer Ingelheim) across 3 research...

Year Published: 2016Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Döringa, D., Kettera, D. A., Klima, A. et. al. 2016. Horn of calf hooves as chews in laboratory dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 13, 39-45.

Effects of calf horn as chews on the behavior of laboratory dogs

It is increasingly required that non-human animals in laboratories are provided with adequate enrichment to promote the welfare of the animals. In a previous publication we showed that laboratory dogs intensively used the horn of calf hooves as chewing objects....

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Ketter, D. A., Klima, A., Küchenhoff, H. et al. 2020. Effects of calf horn as chews on the behavior of laboratory dogs. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 23(1), 116-128.