Husbandry & Management

The future is not bright: Evaluation of rat preferences for color and intensity of light

Light is a key factor influencing the welfare of laboratory rodents, but little is known about their optimal lighting condition. It i common knowledge that rats prefer dim light, so bright light is mitigated with red-tinted shelters or cages, which...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Swan, M., Horvath, A., Pritchett, R. K. et al. 2024. The future is not bright: Evaluation of rat preferences for color and intensity of light. Animals 14(14), 2045.

A comparison of LED with fluorescent lighting on the stress, behavior, and reproductive success of laboratory zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

There are limited evidence-based husbandry recommendations for laboratory zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), including appropriate light sources. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been shown to improve circadian regulation and reduce stress in some laboratory animal species, such as mice and rats,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Bird, Finch

Citation: Backx, A. G., Wu, A., Tanner, A. et al. 2024. A comparison of LED with fluorescent lighting on the stress, behavior, and reproductive success of laboratory zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). JAALAS 63(3), 238–250.

Comprehensive husbandry protocol for Corydoras catfish and many other Amazonian species

A variety of fish species have proven instrumental in the investigation of evolution, behavior, ecology, and physiology, among many other fields. Many model systems (e.g., zebrafish, guppies, and three-spined sticklebacks) have been maintained by institutions and have had protocols written...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Other Fish

Citation: Chiang, A., Haine, S. S. S., Goldring, R. et al. 2024. Comprehensive husbandry protocol for Corydoras catfish and many other Amazonian species. JAALAS 63(5), 472–479.

Ammonia accumulation as a proxy to determine cage-change frequency in antelope ground squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus)

Due to a lack of evidence-based standards for cage-change intervals for antelope ground squirrels (AGS, Ammospermophilus leucurus), we evaluated cage ammonia accumulation in our colony of adult, wild-caught AGS and identified factors that influenced ammonia levels. Intracage ammonia was measured...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Other Rodent, Rodent

Citation: Ellis, M. M., Brune, J. E., Patil, K. et al. 2024. Ammonia accumulation as a proxy to determine cage-change frequency in antelope ground squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus). JAALAS 63(3), 251–256.

The dog soundscape: Recurrence, emotional impact, acoustics, and implications for dog observations and dog–human interactions

While numerous dog behavioral studies use environmental sounds, the dog soundscape remains undescribed. We proposed a list of 79 sounds classified into six categories: Dog, Dog accessories, Human, city and vehicles, Garden, countryside and weather, and Household. In a survey,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Savel, S., Legou, T. 2024. The dog soundscape: Recurrence, emotional impact, acoustics, and implications for dog observations and dog–human interactions. Animals 14(2), 279.

The effect of a hiding space on the behaviour and heart rate variability of dairy calves during temporary separation from the dam

In natural settings, newborn calves hide for several days before joining the herd. It is unclear whether dairy calves housed indoors would show similar hiding behaviour. This study aimed to describe the use of an artificial hide provided to calves...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Spitzer, H. B., Meagher, R. K., O'Sullivan, M. L. et al. 2024. The effect of a hiding space on the behaviour and heart rate variability of dairy calves during temporary separation from the dam. Animal Welfare 33, e2.

Effects of cold stress on the hemolymph of the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei

Temperature is an important factor in the physiological processes of aquatic organisms and can seriously affect several chemical and biological processes in their bodies, including respiratory metabolism, antioxidant capacity, immune capacity, and signal transduction. In this study, physiological, transcriptomic, and...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Crustacean, Invertebrate

Citation: Zhu, J., Shi, W., Zhao, R. et al. 2024. Effects of cold stress on the hemolymph of the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Fishes 9(1), 36.

The effects of different feed ration levels on growth, welfare rating, and early maturation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Salmon

Citation: Imsland, A. K. D., Methúsalemsson, H. 2024. The effects of different feed ration levels on growth, welfare rating, and early maturation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Fishes 9(2), 70.

Recommendations for measuring and standardizing light for laboratory mammals to improve welfare and reproducibility in animal research

Light enables vision and exerts widespread effects on physiology and behavior, including regulating circadian rhythms, sleep, hormone synthesis, affective state, and cognitive processes. Appropriate lighting in animal facilities may support welfare and ensure that animals enter experiments in an appropriate...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: All/General, Cat, Dog, Goat, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Pig, Rat, Rodent, Sheep, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Lucas, R. J., Allen, A. E., Brainard, G. C. et al. 2024. Recommendations for measuring and standardizing light for laboratory mammals to improve welfare and reproducibility in animal research. PLOS Biology 22(3), e3002535.

The influence of water nitrate concentration combined with elevated temperature on rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in an experimental aquaponic setup

Intensive recirculating systems are a fast-developing sector of aquaculture. While several warm-water fish have been reared in aquaponics, almost no data are available for cold-water species. The determination of nitrate toxicity thresholds in recirculating aquaculture is crucial. Different pollutants are...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Fish, Trout

Citation: Papadopoulos, D. K., Lattos, A., Chatzigeorgiou, I. et al. 2024. The influence of water nitrate concentration combined with elevated temperature on rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in an experimental aquaponic setup. Fishes 9(2), 74.