Husbandry & Management

Investigating lameness in high containment swine

The Pirbright Institute is a world leading centre for the research and surveillance of viral diseases. The high containment animal facility (ISO11) is a bespoke working environment designed to house multiple species and viruses for in vivo vaccine research. Due...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Trussler, O. 2025. Investigating lameness in high containment swine. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 168–171.

Effects of enclosure size on the preferences of juvenile chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

This study investigated the cage size preferences of juvenile chinchillas using enclosures that allowed free choice between different dimensions. Three comparisons were tested: (1) small floor area (0.15 m2) vs. double floor area (0.30 m2) at constant height; (2) low...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Rodent

Citation: Szendrő, Z., Łapiński, S., Matics, Z. et al. 2025. Effects of enclosure size on the preferences of juvenile chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). Animals 15(17), 2483.

Horse vision through two lenses: Tinbergen’s Four Questions and the Five Domains

To improve human–horse interactions and reduce the risk of injury, it is essential to adopt an equi-centric perspective that prioritizes how horses perceive their environment. This review focuses on the equine visual system, both because it is the most studied...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Human-Animal Interaction, Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Roth, L. S. V., McGreevy, P. 2025. Horse vision through two lenses: Tinbergen’s Four Questions and the Five Domains. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12.

Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses in groups: An experimental study

Finding feeding strategies that meet horses’ needs without compromising health is essential for optimising welfare, particularly in group housing, where limited hay availability increases aggression and injury risks. Recently, two strategies have emerged: portioning daily intake into smaller, frequent meals...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Roig-Pons, M., Bachmann, I., Freymond, S. B. 2025. Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses in groups: An experimental study. PLOS ONE 20(6), e0325928.

Evaluating the suitability of substrate enrichment for Zebrafish in high-capacity research aquaria

Zebrafish, Danio rerio, show a preference for substrate enrichment within their tanks however this is seldom included within high-capacity research aquaria due to fears its inclusion may impact on their ability to breed on demand. To investigate this potential impact...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, ReproductionAnimal Type: Fish, Zebrafish

Citation: McKay-West, J., Green, M., Chance, R. 2025. Evaluating the suitability of substrate enrichment for Zebrafish in high-capacity research aquaria. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 108–112.

Husbandry and management interventions for the conservation and welfare of captive animals – a systematic evidence map

Zoos and aquariums are poised to play increasingly important roles in mitigating the global biodiversity crisis. However, the ultimate success of ex-situ conservation depends on animal welfare and effective husbandry and management practices. As such, an empirical understanding of ‘what...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Martin, T., Lemasson, A., Wayman, J. et al. 2025. Husbandry and management interventions for the conservation and welfare of captive animals – a systematic evidence map. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research 13(3), 152–163.

A survey on the implementation of environmental health monitoring in mouse facilities in German-speaking countries

The health status of laboratory animals plays a decisive role not only for the health and welfare of the animals but also for the validity of study results. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of publications on...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Mahabir, E., Schmidt, K., Kolbe, T. et al. 2025. A survey on the implementation of environmental health monitoring in mouse facilities in German-speaking countries. PLOS ONE 20(10), e0334442.

Sleep preferences in CD1 mice in a laboratory environment

This study investigates the preferences of CD1 mice in a lab environment for various sleeping enrichment options within their cages. Understanding the environmental factors that influence sleep behaviour is crucial for enhancing animal welfare in laboratory settings. We assessed two...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Mackay, F., Teggart, M. 2025. Sleep preferences in CD1 mice in a laboratory environment. Animal Technology and Welfare 24(2), 175–176.

A study on light preference in gilts via behavioral pattern analysis

The rational design of artificial lighting systems in pig housing can enhance animal welfare, thereby boosting gilt health and reproductive performance while improving economic metrics for swine farms. To identify the optimal light environments for gilts under artificial illumination, we...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Ge, S., Ma, H., Li, X. et al. 2025. A study on light preference in gilts via behavioral pattern analysis. Animals 15(17), 2620.

Assessing the welfare of spiny lobsters and true lobsters in aquaria: Biology-informed best-practice guidelines for captive conditions

The welfare of decapod crustaceans held in captivity, whether in aquariums, holding facilities, seafood restaurants, supermarkets, or fishmongers, is attracting growing attention and concern. This review focuses on three species that are commonly found in European commercial environments: the European...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Body Modification/Mutilation, Husbandry & Management, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Crustacean, Invertebrate

Citation: Fruscella, L., Elwood, R. W., Passantino, A. 2025. Assessing the welfare of spiny lobsters and true lobsters in aquaria: Biology-informed best-practice guidelines for captive conditions. Animals 15(16), 2397.