Welfare Assessment

Non-invasive measurement of adrenocortical activity in male and female rats

Rats are widely used in biomedical research as animal models for human diseases. However, due to their small body size, blood sampling is complicated and invasive and thereby can seriously interfere with endocrine functions and possibly compromise the animals' welfare....

Year Published: 2007Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Lepschy, M., Touma, C., Hruby, R. et al. 2007. Non-invasive measurement of adrenocortical activity in male and female rats. Laboratory Animals 41(3), 372-387.

Tools to measure and improve animal welfare: Reward-related behaviour

This paper presents a descriptive overview of the evidence obtained thus far for the three proposed uses of reward-related behavior. First, it was shown that previous experiences influence anticipatory behaviour to rewards in rats. This natural behavioural response may serve...

Year Published: 2007Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Van der Harst, J. E., Spruijt, B. M. 2007. Tools to measure and improve animal welfare: Reward-related behaviour. Animal Welfare 16(S), 67-73.

Does cortisol provide an objective measure of subjective feelings? Maybe not

Although our results do not negate the use of cortisol as a welfare indicator in Lemur catta, they do highlight the myriad of behavioural and environmental factors in addition to stress that modify cortisol excretion in this species in captivity.

Year Published: 2007Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Lemur, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: McCusker, C., Elwood, R. W., Smith, T. E. 2007. Does cortisol provide an objective measure of subjective feelings? Maybe not. Animal Welfare 16(Supplement 1), 174 (Poster Abstract).

Recognition and Alleviation of Distress in Laboratory Animals

The book focuses specifically on the scientific understanding of the causes and the functions of stress and distress, the transformation of stress to distress, and the identification of principles for the recognition and alleviation of distress. This book discusses the...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: National Research Council. 2008. Recognition and Alleviation of Distress in Laboratory Animals. The National Academies Press: Washington, DC, 136 pp.

The Effects of Exposure to an Expanded Environmental Enrichment Program on Select Individual Behaviors in Baboons

In our laboratory, we had often discussed our desire to create an area in which our singly housed, adult male baboons could be released to exercise. The opportunity to do so arose when an environmental enrichment grant from the Center...

Year Published: 2009Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Relocation & Transport, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Goodwin, A. K., James, S. A., Lane, K. E. et al. 2009. The Effects of Exposure to an Expanded Environmental Enrichment Program on Select Individual Behaviors in Baboons. Laboratory Primate Newsletter 48(3), 1-7.

Developing a reliable laboratory primate alopecia scoring system for interfacility collaboration and on-line training

Of the potential flags of impaired well-being in laboratory primates, alopecia has received particular regulatory focus, making it a top priority for behavioral managers. Consensus on a reliable alopecia scoring system used by multiple facilities can better determine prevalence and...

Year Published: 2009Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Crockett, C. M., Baker, K. C., Lutz, C. K. et al. 2009. Developing a reliable laboratory primate alopecia scoring system for interfacility collaboration and on-line training. American Journal of Primatology 71(S1), 73. (32nd Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #133)

Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th Ed.)

The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents provides concise, up - to - date, reasonably comprehensive information to anyone concerned with the health, care, and management of rabbits and rodents. The book is intended for veterinarians, students, technicians, scientists,...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Husbandry & Management, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Harkness, J. E., Turner, P. V., Vande Woude, S. et al. 2010. Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th Ed.). Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.

Monitoring program for the treatment of nonhuman primates with behavioral disorders

Maintaining the psychologic wellbeing of nonhuman primates housed in a laboratory setting is an important aspect in providing the best possible care for these animals. Nonhuman primates kept in captivity can begin to display abnormal behaviors that are not typical...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Egeler, J. L., Hoekwater, S., Hoffman, H. D. 2010. Monitoring program for the treatment of nonhuman primates with behavioral disorders. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 717 (Abstract #P113).

Stopping self injurious behaviour of a young male chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

While access to a foraging log had no curative effect on serious self-injurious biting of a single-caged subadult male baboon, transferring the animal to an outdoor section with compatible females in adjacent cages (allowing grooming interactions) resulted in a healing...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: De Villiers, C., Seier, J. V. 2010. Stopping self injurious behaviour of a young male chacma baboon (Papio ursinus). Animal Technology and Welfare 9(2), 77-80.

Report of the 2010 RSPCA/UFAW rodent welfare group meeting – The effect of husbandry on welfare and promoting good practice

The RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group holds a one-day meeting every autumn so that its members can discuss current welfare research, exchange views on rodent welfare issues and share experiences of the implementation of the 3Rs of replacement, reduction and refinement...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Drug/Substance Administration, Handling, Husbandry & Management, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Mouse, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Hawkins, P., Burn, C., Hurst, J. et al. 2011. Report of the 2010 RSPCA/UFAW rodent welfare group meeting - The effect of husbandry on welfare and promoting good practice. Animal Technology and Welfare 10(2), 105-114.