Housing

The problem with the dark bottom-row cage for non-human primates: A discussion by the Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum

Since there is evidence that the bottom cages can impact research, this should be a good reason to eliminate the two-tier system with its species-inappropriate bottom-tier cages.

Year Published: 2013Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Baumans, V., Bennett, K., Donnelly, M. et al. 2013. The problem with the dark bottom-row cage for non-human primates: A discussion by the Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum. Animal Technology and Welfare 12, 111-114.

The effect of rubber mats on preference and lying behaviour of group housed sows

This study analyses the preferences, as well as the lying behaviour, of sows with various types of mat in a group housing system lying area. The sows in the trial could choose between six bays with three lying surfaces (concrete,...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Baumann, S., Pflanz, W., Gallmann, E. et al. 2013. The effect of rubber mats on preference and lying behaviour of group housed sows. Landtechnik 68(6), 385-388.

Effect of enrichment on the behaviour and growth of juvenile Xenopus laevis

Xenopus laevis is the most widely used model amphibian species in laboratories, yet there is almost no experimental evidence to guide best practice for captive housing. Enrichment is an important component of maintenance and welfare. A split-sibship experimental design was...

Year Published: 2012Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Archard, G. A. 2012. Effect of enrichment on the behaviour and growth of juvenile Xenopus laevis. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 139(3-4), 264-270.

Increased cage height does not impact the wellbeing of rabbits

In the eighth edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the recommended rabbit cage height was changed from 14 to 16 in. In contrast, the majority of our rabbit cages, purchased in 1985 after the...

Year Published: 2013Topics: HousingAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Stewart, K. L., Guilfoyle, D., Preisser, W. 2013. Increased cage height does not impact the wellbeing of rabbits. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 665 (Abstract #P159).

Benefits of an enhanced enrichment program for a canine research colony

The overall benefits of an enrichment and exercise program for research canines has been well documented and is a required element, by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), of any institution's Animal Care and Use Program. However, some research...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Disease/Experimental Model, Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Sposato, M. 2013. Benefits of an enhanced enrichment program for a canine research colony. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 669 (Abstract #P176).

Effects of environment and enrichment on the behavior and serum corticosterone levels in Xenopus laevis

Xenopus laevis is a commonly used research animal for which well accepted enrichment strategies have not been established. Our overall objective was to identify enrichment strategies that are most beneficial to Xenopus as a step toward creating housing standards that...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Scott, J. A., Taylor, D. 2013. Effects of environment and enrichment on the behavior and serum corticosterone levels in Xenopus laevis. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 662 (Abstract #P145).

Kidding around in the laboratory animal facility – Goat enrichment

Goat enrichment can be incredibly rewarding, not only for the goat, but for personnel as well. In our facility, we often refer to goatenrichment tasks as technician (or vet!) enrichment. Somewhere in the evolutionary development of Capra hircus, curiosity and...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Goat

Citation: Savage, S. 2013. Kidding around in the laboratory animal facility - Goat enrichment. Enrichment Record 14, 14-15.

Environmental enrichment for Xenopus Laevis

Environmental enrichment has become an important aspect of animal care in research facilities over the years. It is easy to come up with enrichment for mice, rats, and other mammals; however, what do you get for enrichment for aquatics such...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Amphibian, Frog & Toad

Citation: Miller, S. 2013. Environmental enrichment for Xenopus Laevis. Enrichment Record 14, 12-13.

Clinical Laboratory Animal Medicine: An Introduction (4th Ed)

Clinical Laboratory Animal Medicine: An Introduction, Fourth Edition offers a user-friendly guide to the unique anatomy and physiology, care, common diseases, and treatment of small mammals and nonhuman primates. Carefully designed for ease of use, the book includes tip boxes,...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Regulations & Ethical Review, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Chinchilla, Ferret, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Hrapkiewicz, K., Colby, L. A., Denison, P. 2013. Clinical Laboratory Animal Medicine: An Introduction (4th Ed). Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA.

Individually ventilated cages impose cold stress on laboratory mice: A source of systemic experimental variability

Individual ventilated cages (IVC) are increasing in popularity. Although mice avoid IVC in preference testing, they show no aversion when provided additional nesting material or the cage is not ventilated. Given the high ventilation rate in IVC, we developed 3...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: David, J. M., Knowles, S., Lamkin, D. M. et al. 2013. Individually ventilated cages impose cold stress on laboratory mice: A source of systemic experimental variability. JAALAS 52(6), 738-744.