Husbandry & Management

Effects of intracage ammonia on markers of pulmonary endothelial integrity in mice housed in static microisolation cages

Time-weighted exposure limits to ammonia are established for humans; however similar guidelines have not been defined for laboratory rodents. The Guide recommends maintaining air pollutants at concentrations below levels irritating to mucous membranes but does not provide specific values. Numerous...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Eichner, M., Purcell, J. E., Fortman, J. D. 2018. Effects of intracage ammonia on markers of pulmonary endothelial integrity in mice housed in static microisolation cages. JAALAS 57(1), 18-23.

Effects of an extended cage-change interval on ammonia levels and reproduction in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Prompted by the cage cleanliness of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), we evaluated a prolonged cage-change interval. We compared the effects of a 2-wk and 6-wk cage-change schedule on ammonia levels, temperature, humidity, and reproductive performance in breeding pairs housed in...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Gerbil, Rodent

Citation: McCullagh, E. A., McCullagh, P., Klug, A. et al. 2017. Effects of an extended cage-change interval on ammonia levels and reproduction in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). JAALAS 56(6), 713-717.

PCR testing of IVC filter tops as a method for detecting murine pinworms and fur mites

We evaluated PCR testing of filter tops from cages maintained on an IVC system through which exhaust air is filtered at the cage level as a method for detecting parasite-infected and -infested cages. Cages containing 4 naïve Swiss Webster mice...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Gerwin, P. M., Ricart Arbona, R. J., Riedel, E. R. et al. 2017. PCR testing of IVC filter tops as a method for detecting murine pinworms and fur mites. JAALAS 56(6), 752-761.

Effects of various cleaning agents on the performance of mice in behavioral assays of anxiety

Cleaning behavioral equipment between rodent subjects is important to prevent disease transmission and reduce odor cues from previous subjects. However, the reporting regarding the cleansing procedures used during such experiments is sporadic and often incomplete. In addition, some investigators are...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Hershey, J. D., Gifford, J. J., Zizza, L. J. et al. 2018. Effects of various cleaning agents on the performance of mice in behavioral assays of anxiety. JAALAS 57(4), 335-339.

Effects of nesting material on the toxicologic assessment of cyclophosphamide in Crl:CD1(ICR) mice

The provision of nesting material benefits mice by reducing cold stress, improving feed conversion, increasing litter size, and improving adaptive immunity. The effects of toxins are sensitive to environmental changes, and the introduction of novel items can alter results in...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Brochu, C. P., Winnicker, C. L., Provencher, A. L. et al. 2018. Effects of nesting material on the toxicologic assessment of cyclophosphamide in Crl:CD1(ICR) mice. JAALAS 57(4), 340-349.

Refinement of perioperative feeding in a mouse model of vertical sleeve gastrectomy

Provision of liquid enteral nutrition (LEN) during the perioperative period is standard practice for rodents undergoing bariatric surgery, yet these diets are associated with several challenges, including coagulation of the liquid diet within the delivery system and decreased postoperative consumption....

Year Published: 2018Topics: Disease/Experimental Model, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Doerning, C. M., Burlingame, L. A., Lewis, A. G. et al. 2018. Refinement of perioperative feeding in a mouse model of vertical sleeve gastrectomy. JAALAS 57(3), 295-301.

Out like a light? The effects of a diurnal husbandry schedule on mouse sleep and behavior

Sleep disruption in humans, caused by shift work, can be detrimental to physical and behavioral health. Nocturnal laboratory mice may experience a similar disruption caused by human daytime activities, but whether this disruption affects their welfare is unknown. We used...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Robinson-Junker, A. L., O'hara, B. F., Gaskill, B. N. 2018. Out like a light? The effects of a diurnal husbandry schedule on mouse sleep and behavior. JAALAS 57(2), 124-133.

Does flooring substrate impact kennel and dog cleanliness in commercial breeding facilities?

Evaluation of kennel flooring surfaces is needed to understand their impacts on dog health and well-being. This pilot study aimed to characterize aspects of physical health, kennel cleanliness, and dog body cleanliness on flooring types common in US breeding kennels....

Year Published: 2018Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Stella, J., Hurt, M., Bauer, A. et al. 2018. Does flooring substrate impact kennel and dog cleanliness in commercial breeding facilities? Animals 8(4), 59.

Using the five domains model to assess the adverse impacts of husbandry, veterinary, and equitation interventions on horse welfare

The aim of this study was to conduct a series of paper-based exercises in order to assess the negative (adverse) welfare impacts, if any, of common interventions on domestic horses across a broad range of different contexts of equine care...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Husbandry & Management, Restraint, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: McGreevy, P., Berger, J., de Brauwere, N. et al. 2018. Using the five domains model to assess the adverse impacts of husbandry, veterinary, and equitation interventions on horse welfare. Animals 8(3), 41.

Impact of daily grazing time on dairy cow welfare—results of the Welfare Quality® protocol

Grazing provides livestock better opportunities to act out their species-specific behavior compared to restrictive stable conditions. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of daily grazing time on welfare of dairy cows in organic and conventional...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Wagner, K., Brinkmann, J., March, S. et al. 2018. Impact of daily grazing time on dairy cow welfare—results of the Welfare Quality® protocol. Animals 8(1), 1.