Related Experiment Videos
Floor Space Needs for Laboratory Mice: C56BL/6 Males in Solid-bottom Cages with Bedding
Steven Fullwood1, Tiffanie A. Hicks, Jack C. Brown
1Department of Animal Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA.
ILAR Journal
|June 15, 2001
Summary
Laboratory mice housed in smaller spaces showed improved immune responses but increased stress. Current space recommendations may negatively impact mouse welfare and immune function.
Area of Science:
- Laboratory animal science
- Animal welfare
- Immunology
Background:
- Determining appropriate housing space is crucial for laboratory animal welfare and research validity.
- Previous recommendations for housing C57BL/6 mice may not optimize their physiological and immunological status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying space allowances on the performance, mortality, stress indicators, and immune function of socially housed male C57BL/6 mice.
- To evaluate the adequacy of current National Research Council (NRC) housing guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6 mice (3 per cage) were housed in conditions providing 5, 10, 15, or 20 square inches of space per mouse.
- Evaluated parameters included feed and water consumption, body weight, mortality, adrenal weights, plasma corticosterone levels, and immune cell proliferation (PHA) and natural killer (NK) cell activity.
Main Results:
- Smaller spaces (5 sq in/mouse) led to increased feed/water waste but enhanced lymphocyte proliferation.
- Mice in 10 sq in/mouse showed increased NK cell cytotoxicity.
- Mortality increased with greater space allowances.
- Adrenal weights and plasma glucocorticoids were higher in mice with less space, indicating increased stress.
Conclusions:
- The 1996 NRC recommendation of 15 sq in/mouse may lead to increased mortality and reduced immune function in this mouse model.
- Socially housed male C57BL/6 mice may benefit from housing densities lower than currently recommended.