Handling

Conditionining laboratory cats to handling and transport

As research subjects, cats have contributed substantially to our understanding of biological systems, from the development of mammalian visual pathways to the pathophysiology of feline immunodeficiency virus as a model for human immunodeficiency virus. Few studies have evaluated humane methods...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Handling, Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Gruen, M. E., Thomson, A. E., Clary, G. P. et al. 2013. Conditionining laboratory cats to handling and transport. Lab Animal 42(10), 385-389.

Will a more consistent handling method lead to a calmer rabbit?

The authors describe various methods of handling and restraining rabbits, and propose that while many methods are appropriate, rabbits respond better if only one method is used consistently.

Year Published: 2012Topics: HandlingAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Cruden, J., Bester, J., Baines, N. et al. 2012. Will a more consistent handling method lead to a calmer rabbit? Animal Technology and Welfare 11, 127-130.

Using positive reinforcement training to refine daily medical treatment of a cynomolgus macaque

Medical care of nonhuman primates in a laboratory setting can be challenging due to the safety concerns inherent in handling conscious animals. A mature, adult male cynomolgus macaque presented with a chronic foot condition that required daily treatment by the...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Animal Training, Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Andrews, C. 2014. Using positive reinforcement training to refine daily medical treatment of a cynomolgus macaque. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 565-566. (Abstract #P63).

Positive reinforcement training in a research setting: An introduction to sling training the Ossabaw pig

Over the past year, the large animal care staff at our institution was introduced to an unfamiliar breed of pig, the Ossabaw Island pig. Not only were they tasked with adapting to this unique research model in their facility, but...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Animal Training, Handling, RestraintAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Roller, J. E., Meyers, M. 2014. Positive reinforcement training in a research setting: An introduction to sling training the Ossabaw pig. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 539. (Abstract #PS51).

Refining the pole-and-collar method of restraint: Emphasizing the use of positive training techniques with rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

The pole-and-collar method is one of several techniques that enable the safe transfer of a nonhuman primate from its home environment into a restraint chair without the need for sedation. It has been used within the scientific community for decades....

Year Published: 2014Topics: Animal Training, Handling, RestraintAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: McMillan, J. L., Perlman, J. E., Galvan, A. et al. 2014. Refining the pole-and-collar method of restraint: Emphasizing the use of positive training techniques with rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). JJAALAS 53(1), 61-68.

Minimizing symptoms and stress in seizure-prone mice by using acupressure during routine handling

Many laboratory mice used in research experience spontaneous seizures during cage changing and routine handling. The triggers are usually the abrupt sound and sudden motion of the cage. These seizures can range from mild to severe, often resulting in uncontrollable...

Year Published: 2014Topics: Handling, Human-Animal InteractionAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Young, M., Lawson, G. W., Duarte-Vogel, S. et al. 2014. Minimizing symptoms and stress in seizure-prone mice by using acupressure during routine handling. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 555 (Abstract #P29).