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Individually Ventilated Cages Severely Attenuate Inter-Cage Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats
K Jack Scott1, David K Bilkey1
1Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|May 25, 2025
Summary
Individually ventilated cages (IVCs) significantly reduce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) transmission between Sprague-Dawley rats. This may impact rodent social behavior, necessitating cage design adjustments.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Individually ventilated cages (IVCs) enhance health for rodents and researchers.
- Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are crucial for rodent social communication.
- The impact of IVCs on between-cage USV transmission remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of IVCs on the transmission of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) between Sprague-Dawley rats.
- To quantify USV detection rates and amplitudes across different cage ventilation conditions.
Main Methods:
- USV transmission was recorded in three settings: open cage racks, open cages to IVCs, and between adjacent IVCs.
- Microphones were placed within empty cages to capture USVs.
- Simultaneous recordings with internal and external microphones verified USV generation consistency.
Main Results:
- USVs were clearly detectable between rats in open cages.
- USV transmission was significantly attenuated when passing from open cages to IVCs.
- USVs were virtually undetectable between rats housed in adjacent IVCs.
Conclusions:
- IVCs drastically reduce the transmission of ultrasonic vocalizations between rodent cages.
- This acoustic isolation may negatively affect rodent social behavior and welfare.
- Recommendations include modifying IVC design and handling protocols to facilitate communication.
