15 research outputs found
Can sleep and resting behaviours be used as indicators of welfare in shelter dogs (Canis lupusfamiliaris)?
Previous research on humans and animals suggests that the analysis of sleep patterns
may reliably inform us about welfare status, but little research of this kind has been carried
out for non-human animals in an applied context. This study explored the use of sleep and
resting behaviour as indicators of welfare by describing the activity patterns of dogs (Canis
lupus familiaris) housed in rescue shelters, and comparing their sleep patterns to other
behavioural and cognitive measures of welfare. Sleep and activity patterns were observed
over five non-consecutive days in a population of 15 dogs. Subsequently, the characteristics
of sleep and resting behaviour were described and the impact of activity on patterns of
sleep and resting behaviour analysed. Shelter dogs slept for 2.8% of the day, 14.3% less
than previously reported and experienced less sleep fragmentation at night (32 sleep
bouts). There were no statistically significant relationships between behaviours exhibited
during the day and sleep behaviour. A higher proportion of daytime resting behaviour was
significantly associated with a positive judgement bias, less repetitive behaviour and
increased time spent coded as ârelaxedâ across days by shelter staff. These results suggest
that, in the context of a busy shelter environment, the ability to rest more during the day
could be a sign of improved welfare. Considering the non-linear relationship between sleep
and welfare in humans, the relationship between sleep and behavioural indicators of welfare,
including judgement bias, in shelter dogs may be more complex than this study could
detect
PhenoWorld : a new paradigm to screen rodent behavior
Modeling depression in animals has inherent complexities that are augmented by intrinsic difficulties to measure the characteristic features of the disorder. Herein, we describe the PhenoWorld (PhW), a new setting in which groups of six rats lived in an ethological enriched environment, and have their feeding, locomotor activity, sleeping and social behavior automatically monitored. A battery of emotional and cognitive tests was used to characterize the behavioral phenotype of animals living in the PhW and in standard conditions (in groups of six and two rats), after exposure to an unpredictable chronic mild stress paradigm (uCMS) and antidepressants. Data reveal that animals living in the PhW displayed similar, but more striking, behavioral differences when exposed to uCMS, such as increased behavioral despair shown in the forced swimming test, resting/sleep behavior disturbances and reduced social interactions. Moreover, several PhW-cage behaviors, such as spontaneous will to go for food or exercise in running wheels, proved to be sensitive indicators of depressive-like behavior. In summary, this new ethological enriched paradigm adds significant discriminative power to screen depressive-like behavior, in particularly rodent's hedonic behavior
Stress-induced changes in group behaviour
Testing animals in groups can provide valuable data for investigating behavioural stress responses. However, conventional measures typically focus on the behaviour of individual animals or on dyadic interactions. Here, we aimed to determine metrics describing the behaviour of grouping animals that can reveal differences in stress responses. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model, we observed replicated shoals both immediately and 24âhours after exposure to a novel environment, as an assessment of temporal change in response to an acute stressor. We quantified various standard behavioural measures in combination with metrics describing group structure, including different proximity, social, and spatial metrics. Firstly, we showed a high collinearity between most of the analysed metrics, suggesting that they describe similar aspects of the group dynamics. After metric selection, we found that under acute stress shoals had significantly higher shoal densities, a lower variation in nearest neighbour distances and were in closer proximity to the walls compared to the same groups tested 24âhours later, indicating a reduction in acute stress over time. Thus, the use of group metrics could allow for the refinement of behavioural protocols carried out in a range of research areas, by providing sensitive and rich data in a more relevant social context
Can sleep behaviour be used as an indicator of stress in group-housed rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>)?
The effects of enriching laboratory cages using various physical structures on multiple measures of welfare in singly-housed rats
Effects of space allocation and housing density on measures of wellbeing in laboratory mice: a review
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.A.L. Whittaker, G.S. Howarth and D.L. Hickma
A guide to defining and implementing protocols for the welfare assessment of laboratory animals: eleventh report of the BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW Joint Working Group on Refinement
The refinement of husbandry and procedures to reduce animal suffering and improve welfare is an essential component of
humane science. Successful refinement depends upon the ability to assess animal welfare effectively, and detect any signs of pain or distress as rapidly as possible, so that any suffering can be alleviated. This document provides practical guidance on setting up and operating effective protocols for the welfare assessment of animals used in research and testing. It sets out general principles for more objective observation of animals, recognizing and assessing indicators of pain or distress and
tailoring these to individual projects. Systems for recording indicators, including score sheets, are reviewed and guidance is set out on determining practical monitoring regimes that are more likely to detect any signs of suffering. This guidance is intended for all staff required to assess or monitor animal welfare, including animal technologists and care staff, veterinarians and scientists. It will also be of use to members of ethics or animal care and use committees. A longer version of this document, with further background information and extra topics including training and information sharing, is available on the Laboratory Animals website