Stocking Density

A review of factors affecting the welfare of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

In the expanding salmon industry, many farmers use production methods that could result in poor welfare of the fish at various points of their lifecycle. We have reviewed methods used for producing salmon for food with the aim of identifying...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Euthanasia, Husbandry & Management, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Fish, Salmon

Citation: Santurtun, E., Broom, D. M., Phillips, C. J. C. 2018. A review of factors affecting the welfare of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Animal Welfare 27(3), 193-204.

Assessment of housing density, space allocation and social hierarchy of laboratory rats on behavioural measures of welfare

Minimum space allowances for laboratory rats are legislated based on weight and stocking rates, with the understanding that increased housing density encourages crowding stress. However, there is little evidence for these recommendations, especially when considering positive welfare outcomes. This study...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Social Housing & Companionship, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Barker, T. H., George, R. P., Howarth, G. S. et al. 2017. Assessment of housing density, space allocation and social hierarchy of laboratory rats on behavioural measures of welfare. PLOS ONE 12(9), e0185135.

Environmental enrichment and crowding: Behavioral and hormonal effects

Environmental enrichment and available refuge did ameliorate the usual hormonal responses to crowding. [p. 740]

Year Published: 1976Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Gerbil, Rodent

Citation: Hull, E. M., Kastaniotis, C., L'Hommedieu, G. et al. 1976. Environmental enrichment and crowding: Behavioral and hormonal effects. Physiology and Behavior 17, 735-741.

Effects of social environment on welfare status and sexual behaviour of female pigs: Effects of space allowance

This study examined the effects of housing groups of adult female pigs (6 pigs per group) with a space allowance of 1, 2 or 3 sq.m per pig. .. There was a significant increase in plasma free-corticosteroid concentrations when gilts...

Year Published: 1986Topics: Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Hemsworth, P. H., Barnett, J. L., Hansen, C. et al. 1986. Effects of social environment on welfare status and sexual behaviour of female pigs: Effects of space allowance. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 16, 259-267.

Effects on productivity and aggressive behavior of laying hens of solid versus wire cage partitions and bird density

The effects of solid metal cage partitions or wire mesh cage partitions and two cage densities (5 or 7 birds/60.9 cm × 35.6-cm shallow cage) on production performance traits, aggressive behavior, and feather covering of White Leghorn layers were assessed...

Year Published: 1987Topics: Housing, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Cunningham, D. L., Gvaryahu, G. 1987. Effects on productivity and aggressive behavior of laying hens of solid versus wire cage partitions and bird density. Poultry Science 66, 1583-1586.

Effect of environmental enrichment and housing density on immune system reactivity to acute exercise stress

Keeping mice in enriched cages rather than barren standard cages seems to enhance immune function. Environmentally enriched mice behave immunologically much like nonstressed animals. Animals in enriched environment showed a less variable, better regulated immune response.

Year Published: 1996Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Kingston, S. G., Hoffman-Goetz, L. 1996. Effect of environmental enrichment and housing density on immune system reactivity to acute exercise stress. Physiology and Behavior 60, 145-150.

Floor space needs for laboratory mice: C57BL/6 males in solid-bottom cages with bedding

Different floor space allocations of cages that were barren except bedding were tested in groups of 3 male mice. Space reduction - from 129 to 32 square cm per mouse - had no impact on body weight gain; but with...

Year Published: 1998Topics: Housing, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Fullwood, S., Hicks, T. A., Brown, J. C. et al. 1998. Floor space needs for laboratory mice: C57BL/6 males in solid-bottom cages with bedding. ILAR Journal 39(1), 29-36.

Effects of housing density on C57BL/6J mice housed in three cage types

This 8-week study was initiated to investigate the impact of floor space on the health and well being of C57BL/6J (B6) mice, a strain commonly used by the scientific community. Male and female 4-week-old mice (sexes housed separately) were maintained...

Year Published: 2003Topics: Housing, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Mabus, S., Smith, E., Basso, C. et al. 2003. Effects of housing density on C57BL/6J mice housed in three cage types. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 93 (Abstract).

Effects of housing density and cage floor space on three strains of young adult inbred mice

Some recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) are based on best professional judgment. Our current efforts are directed toward replacement with data-driven standards. We demonstrated earlier that young adult C57BL/6J mice could...

Year Published: 2005Topics: Housing, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Smith, A. L., Mabus, S. L., Muir, C. et al. 2005. Effects of housing density and cage floor space on three strains of young adult inbred mice. Comparative Medicine 55(4), 368-376.

Preparation of animals for research — Issues to consider for rodents and rabbits

This article provides details to consider when preparing to use animals in biomedical research. The stress of transport and receipt of animals into a new environment mandate the need for a period of stabilization and acclimation. This allotment of time...

Year Published: 2006Topics: Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Regulations & Ethical Review, Relocation & Transport, Stocking DensityAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Other Rodent, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Conour, L. A., Murray, K. A., Brown, M. J. 2006. Preparation of animals for research -- Issues to consider for rodents and rabbits. ILAR Journal 47(4), 283-293.