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Published on: October 19, 2019
Evaluation of bedding and nesting materials for laboratory mice by preference tests
Kohei Kawakami1, Shunsuke Shimosaki, Miki Tongu
1Department of Experimental Animals, Center for Integrated Research in Science, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan.
Experimental Animals
|December 14, 2007
Summary
Laboratory mice show a strong preference for cloth bedding and nesting materials. These findings suggest cloth options enhance the well-being and environmental enrichment for mice in research settings.
Area of Science:
- Laboratory animal science
- Animal welfare and behavior
Background:
- Proper bedding and nesting materials are crucial for the health and welfare of laboratory mice.
- Environmental enrichment is essential for improving the quality of life for research animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the preferred bedding and nesting materials for laboratory mice.
- To assess the impact of different materials on mouse behavior and preference.
Main Methods:
- Two series of preference tests were conducted using four types of bedding materials (Clean-chip, Agrebe, Paper-clean, Care-feeaz) and four types of nesting materials (Shepherd-shack, Agrebe, Wood-cylinder, Mouse-igloo).
- Mouse preference was quantified by measuring the duration of time spent in cages with different materials.
Main Results:
- Mice spent significantly more time in cages with cloth bedding (Agrebe) compared to other bedding materials during both light and dark phases.
- In nesting material tests, mice favored Agrebe during the light phase and both Agrebe and Shepherd-shack during the dark phase.
Conclusions:
- Cloth-based materials (Agrebe) are highly preferred by laboratory mice for both bedding and nesting.
- The use of cloth bedding and nesting materials is recommended for enhancing the environmental enrichment and welfare of laboratory mice.
