Effects of housing conditions on food intake, body weight and spontaneous lesions in mice. A review of the literature and results of an 18-month study

Chvédoff, M.; Clarke, Margaret R.; Irisarri, E.; Faccini, J. M.; Monro, A. M.

doi:10.1016/0015-6264(80)90167-4

Cited by 51 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…In a recent study where rats were housed 2 per cage, the growth for both sexes fell in the range normally experienced when the animals are housed 4 per cage. The differences expected when housing rodents 2 or 4 per cage are, therefore, considered unlikely to account for the differences of the magnitude of those found and this agrees with the literature, where the differences were generally <10% (Wiberg, Airth & Grice, 1966;Hughes & Nowak, 1973;Chvedoff, Clarke, Irisarri, Faccini & Monro, 1980). Age-related bodyweights were consistently about 25% lower in rats fed the diet in an agar gel compared to those fed the same diet in pelleted form.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Growth and longevity of rats fed an agar-bound diet

Clapp¹,

Bradbrook²

1982

Lab Anim

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A conventional diet fed to rats in an agar-gel base reduced mature body weight by about 25% and increased longevity when compared to the same diet in pelleted form. Dry matter intake was not affected, but food utilization was considerably poorer. The use of a diet in agar gel may, therefore, provide an improved toxicological assay, especially when used in combination with flushing racks housing 2 animals per cage, where exposure of the animal technician to dust was reduced.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Growth and longevity of rats fed an agar-bound diet

Clapp¹,

Bradbrook²

1982

Lab Anim

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“…This was presumed to be due to the welldescribed effects of stress on gastric inflammation and ulceration. 63 Housing of lactating females and their pups was examined to evaluate measures of reproductive performance, such as pup growth rate and numbers weaned.…”

Section: Animal Densitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of space allocation and housing density on measures of wellbeing in laboratory mice: a review

2012

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In the majority of countries where there are legislative requirements pertaining to the use of animals in research, figures are quoted for minimum cage sizes or space allocation to be provided per animal. These figures are generally based on professional judgement and are in common usage. However, there is a growing trend and expectation that welfare science should inform regulatory decision-making. Given the importance of the potential welfare influences of cage size on the animals themselves, this paper presents the latest scientific knowledge on this topic in one of the most commonly used animals in research, the mouse. A comprehensive review of studies in laboratory mice was undertaken, examining the effects of space allocation per animal and animal density on established welfare indicators. To date, animal density studies have predominated, and the effects of space allocation per se are still relatively unclear. This information will guide those involved in facility management or legislative review, and provide a more solid foundation for further studies into the effects of routine husbandry practices on animal welfare.

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“…It can cause striking clinical injury and social disintegration, at least in some species. However, there are distinct differences even between rats and mice (Chévedoff et al, 1980;Klir et al, 1984). The phenomenon has been studied mostly in relation to population control.…”

Section: Effect Of Crowdingmentioning

confidence: 96%