Refinement of Gerbil Housing and Husbandry in the Laboratory

Abstract

Mongolian gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, are widely used as model species in parasitology, and in research on epilepsy and ischaemia. When kept under standard laboratory housing conditions, gerbils develop two distinctive behavioural abnormalities: stereotypic digging and bar chewing. Our work centred on assessing the mechanisms leading to these stereotypies. We aimed at finding practical housing and husbandry solutions that would prevent the development of such stereotypies in the laboratory by addressing the behavioural needs of gerbils. Faecal cortisol levels were used as a non-invasive method to compare stress reactions in gerbils housed under different conditions. Stereotypic digging was caused by the lack of a burrow in the laboratory cage, while stereotypic bar chewing was caused by premature separation of juveniles from their family before the birth of younger siblings. An integrated artificial burrow system is presented that prevents the development of stereotypic digging in gerbils, and adaptations in husbandry routines are suggested that significantly reduce the incidence of bar chewing. We conclude that simple refinement of housing is effective in improving gerbil welfare in the laboratory.

Small prey species’ behaviour and welfare: implications for veterinary professionals

“…Tunnels provide safe entrances to rest areas. Even a short, dark, artificial tunnel reduces stress (Fig ; Waiblinger & König ). Many SPM cages have nest boxes, and some connecting tunnels, made from clear or light coloured translucent plastic.…”

“…Tunnels provide safe entrances to rest areas. Even a short, dark, artificial tunnel reduces stress (Fig 5 ;Waiblinger & König 2004 ). Many SPM cages have nest boxes, and some connecting Cage manufacturers and retailers should be encouraged to improve cage size and design to be more accommodating of SPM needs.…”

“…There are several useful sources regarding SPM senses including for mice (Sherwin 2002, Olsson et al . 2003, rats (Burn 2008 ), gerbil (Waiblinger & König 2004 ), rabbit (Manning et al . 1994, Knott 2014 ).…”

Refinement on the Way Towards Replacement: Are We Doing What We Can?

“…In standard laboratory conditions, where there is not enough substrate to dig tunnels, gerbils show stereotypic digging behavior (Wiedenmayer, 1997). One solution, based on research conducted by Waiblinger and König (2004), is a nesting box with an attached tunnel. The artificial burrow system seems to help reduce stereotypic digging behavior.…”

Parallels in Sources of Trauma, Pain, Distress, and Suffering in Humans and Nonhuman Animals

“…For example, laboratory mice are typically separated from their mothers at 20 days (Würbel & Stauffacher, 1997), whereas free-living rodents are weaned around 35 days (Latham & Mason, 2004). Bar biting and other abnormal behaviors have been described in mice used in laboratory research as a response to premature weaning, thwarted attempts to suckle, or unpleasant cage experiences (Callard, Bursten, & Price, 1999;Waiblinger & Konig, 2004;Würbel & Stauffacher, 1997). Among mouse pups, precocious weaning contributes to anxiety and aggression (Kikusui, Isaka, & Mori, 2005).…”