Evaluation of different types of enrichment - their usage and effect on home cage behavior in female mice

Numerous studies ascertained positive effects of enriched environments on the well-being of laboratory animals. However in this context, it is not only unclear what exactly is meant by enrichment, but also how the animals themselves interact with the various items on offer. In this study active and inactive use of varying enrichment items was quantitatively assessed. The presented data underline the positive welfare benefits of enrichment and that mice clearly differentiate between distinct enrichment types, demonstrating that the perspective of the animals themselves should also be taken into account when specifying laboratory housing conditions. This is particularly important, as the ensuring of animal welfare is an essential prerequisite for reliable, reproducible, and scientifically meaningful results.

Evaluation of different types of enrichment - their usage and effect on home cage behavior in female mice
Hobbiesiefken U, Mieske P, Lewejohann L, Diederich K
PLoS ONE 16(12): e0261876.
Published: December 23, 2021
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261876