Handling

Improving animal welfare at Newcastle University by introducing the low stress handling of mice

The primary focus of this project was to introduce the low stress handling of mice to Newcastle University and resulting in all researchers and technicians using this method. It aimed to bring a team together, working to promote and communicate...

Year Published: 2020Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Hamilton, E. 2020. Improving animal welfare at Newcastle University by introducing the low stress handling of mice. Animal Technology and Welfare 19(3), 185-194.

Playtime! Exploring habituation techniques in laboratory rats

Our rat training program teaches the standard method of handling and restraining that involves picking the rat up by the base of the tail and placing it on the wire mesh to be restrained. We observed that there was excessive...

Year Published: 2019Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Low, D. D., Leong Peng, J. Z., Tay, Y. Q. et al. 2019. Playtime! Exploring habituation techniques in laboratory rats. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 7(4) (December), 42-45.

Effects of three non-confrontational handling techniques on the behavior of horses during a simulated mildly aversive veterinary procedure

During mildly aversive healthcare procedures, horses often exhibit behaviors that may interrupt or prolong the procedure. Handler response often includes increased restraint and/or positive punishment, which can be ineffective or counterproductive. The purpose of this study was to compare the...

Year Published: 2016Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Watson, J., McDonnell, S. 2016. Effects of three non-confrontational handling techniques on the behavior of horses during a simulated mildly aversive veterinary procedure. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 15, 85-86. (12th International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) Conference Abstract)

Comparison of 2 gentling programs for laboratory rats: Effects on the behavior toward humans

Gentling can reduce the fear reactions of young laboratory rats toward people long term. We were able to show this outcome in a previous study that involved a successful but elaborate gentling program. In the study at hand, we investigated...

Year Published: 2016Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Schneider, B. M., Erhard, M. H., Scheipl, F. et al. 2016. Comparison of 2 gentling programs for laboratory rats: Effects on the behavior toward humans. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 12, 73-81.

Refinements of equipment and methodology to reduce risk during pole-guided chair transfer of nonhuman primates

Neurophysiologic studies of NHP commonly involve their transfer from a housing enclosure to a laboratory by using a mobile chair. This transfer should be performed in a manner that is safe and minimizes stress for both animal and handler. The...

Year Published: 2019Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: McIntosh, M. K., Armitage-Brown, B., Levy, R. 2019. Refinements of equipment and methodology to reduce risk during pole-guided chair transfer of nonhuman primates. JAALAS 58(4), 462-468.

Agricultural animals as biomedical models: Occupational health and safety considerations

The use of agricultural animals in biomedical research is increasing. Their overall size and metabolic rate, organ size, longer gestation period, and other physiological similarities make them good candidates for animal models of human disease. There are a number of...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Handling, HousingAnimal Type: Cattle, Chicken, Equine, Fowl, Goat, Pig, Sheep

Citation: Edwards, G. L., Michael, J. A., Parks., A. 2018. Agricultural animals as biomedical models: Occupational health and safety considerations. ILAR Journal 59(2), 161-167.

Nontraditional laboratory animal species (cephalopods, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds)

Aquatic vertebrates and cephalopods, amphibians, reptiles, and birds offer unique safety and occupational health challenges for laboratory animal personnel. This paper discusses environmental, handling, and zoonotic concerns associated with these species.

Year Published: 2018Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Amphibian, Bird, Cephalopod, Crocodile & Alligator, Finch, Fish, Fowl, Frog & Toad, Invertebrate, Lizard, Other Bird, Other Fish, Parrot, Reptile, Salamander, Salmon, Snake, Tilapia, Trout, Turtle & Tortoise, Zebrafish

Citation: O'Rourke, D. P., Baccanale, C. L., Stoskopf, M. K. 2018. Nontraditional laboratory animal species (cephalopods, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds). ILAR Journal 59(2), 168-176.

Animal handling in containment

As Animal Technologists we are constantly looking at refining and enriching the environmental conditions of all our animals to give them both physical exercise and mental stimulation regardless of their size. However, animals can still experience stress when being moved...

Year Published: 2019Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Zvarev, C., Baker, S., Patel, D. 2019. Animal handling in containment. Animal Technology and Welfare 18(2), 140-142. (IAT Congress 2018 Poster Presentation)

The effect of gentle handling on depressive-like behavior in adult male mice: Considerations for human and rodent interactions in the laboratory

Environmental factors play a significant role in well-being of laboratory animals. Regulations and guidelines recommend, if not require, that stressors such as bright lighting, smells, and noises are eliminated or reduced to maximize animal well-being. A factor that is often...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Neely, C., Lane, C., Torres, J. et al. 2018. The effect of gentle handling on depressive-like behavior in adult male mice: Considerations for human and rodent interactions in the laboratory. Behavioural Neurology 2018, 2976014.

Testing two behavioural paradigms for measuring post-handling cat aversion behaviour

Owned, shelter, and laboratory cats undergo handling and restraint throughout their lifetime for routine health examinations and necessary procedures. Many cats display fear and aggressive behaviour during health examinations, and there is potential for these behaviours to result in incomplete...

Year Published: 2019Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Moody, C. M., Mason, G. J., Dewey, C. E. et al. 2019. Testing two behavioural paradigms for measuring post-handling cat aversion behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 210, 73-80.