Housing

Influence of visual cover on ramp climbing behavior in guinea pigs

To ensure the optimal welfare of a species in captivity, housing and enclosure design must align with the ecology, physiology, and behavioral biology of the animal. For the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), a popular pet and laboratory animal, it is...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Guinea Pig, Rodent

Citation: Cameron, K. E., Jeon, G. M., Burden, E. et al. 2025. Influence of visual cover on ramp climbing behavior in guinea pigs. Academia Biology 3(4).

Effects of feeding corticosterone and housing conditions on feather pecking in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Effects of feeding corticosterone and housing conditions on feather pecking in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Feather pecking (FP) and cannibalism in laying hens are disadvantageous to the well-being of the birds. We investigated whether stress could be proposed as...

Year Published: 2001Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: El-lethey, H., Jungi, T. W., Huber-Eicher, B. 2001. Effects of feeding corticosterone and housing conditions on feather pecking in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Physiology & Behavior 73(1), 243–251.

A review of research in primate sanctuaries

While non-human primate studies have long been conducted in laboratories, and more recently at zoological parks, sanctuaries are increasingly considered a viable setting for research. Accredited sanctuaries in non-range countries house thousands of primates formerly used as subjects of medical...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Housing, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Ross, S. R., Leinwand, J. G. 2020. A review of research in primate sanctuaries. Biology Letters 16(4), 1620200033.

Investigating optimal levels of platform perch provision for windowed broiler housing

Broiler chickens show a preference for platform perches over traditional bar perches. Further information is needed on the optimal provision of these perches in order for them to be successfully installed in commercial systems. This study was designed to compare...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Baxter, M., Richmond, A., Lavery, U. et al. 2020. Investigating optimal levels of platform perch provision for windowed broiler housing. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 225, 104967.

Natural horse boarding vs traditional stable: A comparison of hormonal, hematological and immunological parameters

In the equestrian world, two different types of management can be distinguished: traditional management and natural boarding. The aim of this research was to compare hormonal, hematological and immunological parameters of 47 horses kept in these two different managements. Blood...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, HousingAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Placci, M., Marliani, G., Sabioni, S. et al. 2020. Natural horse boarding vs traditional stable: A comparison of hormonal, hematological and immunological parameters. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 23(3), 366-377.

The use of hides during and after calving in New Zealand dairy cows

Isolation during calving is a common dairy cow behavior, however it has not been examined in large outdoor group settings. The provision of “hides” was monitored for its impact on calving location and cow–calf behavior. Stocking density and bedding management...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Housing, Husbandry & Management, Rearing & Weaning, ReproductionAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Zobel, G., Proudfoot, K., Cave, V. et al. 2020. The use of hides during and after calving in New Zealand dairy cows. Animals 10(12), 2255.

Water pigs! Capybara husbandry in a biomedical research lab

Capybaras, also known as “water pigs,” are the world’s largest rodent. Although these animals are closely related to guinea pigs, with a shoulder height of approximately 2 ft, coarse brown fur, and partially webbed feet, they are unlike any guinea...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Handling, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Other Rodent, Rodent

Citation: Strait, K.,Chisholm, A., Kusovska, C. et al. 2020. Water pigs! Capybara husbandry in a biomedical research lab. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 8(5) (September/October), 14-18.

WISH cages: Constructing multiple habitats for captive chimpanzees

This article aims to introduce environmental enrichment for captive chimpanzees in Japan in a historical context. It describes the most recent endeavor of constructing huge cages and connecting multiple habitats. The Ai Project, a series of studies into the mind...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Matsuzawa, T. 2020. WISH cages: Constructing multiple habitats for captive chimpanzees. Primates 61(2), 139–148.

Zebrafish: Housing and husbandry recommendations

This article provides recommendations for the care of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) as part of the further implementation of Annex A to the European Convention on the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes, EU Commission...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: Aleström, P., D’Angelo, L., Midtlyng, P. J. et al. 2020. Zebrafish: Housing and husbandry recommendations. Laboratory Animals 54(3), 213–224.

Effects of a temporary period on pasture on the welfare state of horses housed in individual boxes

Domesticated horses mainly live in individual boxes, a housing system reported as compromising animal welfare. A common practice in riding schools involves offering a temporary period on pasture with conspecifics to alleviate the impact of long-term deprivation triggered by boxes....

Year Published: 2020Topics: HousingAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Ruet, A., Arnould, C., Levray, J. et al. 2020. Effects of a temporary period on pasture on the welfare state of horses housed in individual boxes. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 228, 105027.