Krohn, T C

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Journals from University of Tartu

Scand J.Lab. Anim. Sci No '4. 1008 VuT. 75Summary of Discussions from the workshop at Seanbur'sSeminar Oct. 1998 with the topic “Positive and Negative Effectsof Enrichment Elements in Cages for Small Rodents”.by T C. KrohnScanbur A/S. G1, Lellingegaatd, Bakkeleddet 9, DK-4600 Kege, Denmark, Tel- +45 5682022!On [5-16 October 1998 Scanbur in Denmark heldthe 6th International Seminar with representativesfrom 7 countries focusing on enrichment forrodents. At this seminar different topics aboutenrichment and stress were discussed inworkshops. Five lectures were given by thefollowing persons: Dr. Vera Baumans. Universityof Utrecht: Prof. Paul F, Braint UmvchIty ofWales: Prof. Robert Murison. University ofBergen; Ron Raymond, Head of BiologicalResources, Imperial Cancer Research Fund,London; and Prof. Wolfgang Scharmann. FederalInstitute of Consumet‘s' Protection and VeterinaryMedicine, Berlin.On the first day the discussion was aboutenrichment in general for rodents, e.g. mice andrats. and different aspects concerning enrichmentand enrichment objects were evaluated.It was generally agreed that social housing orgroup housing is a good kind of enrichmentalthough it can cause some problems housing malemice together. It is important that the groups arestable for longer periods and that the researchproject is not disturbed by the group housing. Inaddition to group housing or when group housingis not possible, ditt‘erent kinds of enrichmentelements can be introduced in the cage It is ofgreat importance that these objects arestandardised and evaluated before used in thecages. Each object must be evaluated throughintensive studies.The evaluation can be done through :' behavioural studies (how is the object used,for how long and how does it change thebehaviour ofthe animals)' preference tests (long-term observations)° handling procedures (does the object make theanimals more difficult or easier to handle)' physiological parameters (Circulation, respi-ration‘ immune system, hormone system)' learning from the wild type behaviour (how ISthe natural habitat “designed“)The enrichment device must be general for eachspecies although there can be some straindifferences in the preference and test results.For easy introduction of the enrichment objects inthe laboratories, the objects must be cheap loacquire, easy to clean so the hygiene in the cage isnot compromised and the objects must be easy tohandle, too. For the caretakers to acceptenrichment they must be motivated in the rightway, The caretakers must feel that they are doingsomething good for the animals by introducingenrichment objects in the cages. This can be doneby talking with the caretakers and by listing someof the advantages for the animals when enrichmentobjects are introduced in the cages,On day 2 the discussion was based on how toassess stress and what impact stress has on theanimals and on the biomedical research projectitself.One big topic was how t(y measure stress inanimals and whether it is actually possible tomeasure stress at all? Working with animals underartificial conditions will always produce someamount of stress in the animals. But the stress canbe both good and bad. To coneltlde whether thestress is good or bad it must be measured in someway. This may be done through a combination ofthe following parameters:' physiological parameters (hormones. heartrate, blood parameters)217Seam! J.L£1b Amm. Sci, No. 4. 1998. Volt 25' b&l‘lflViOth‘Bl parametersabnormal behaviour. apathy).Then the problem arises whether the parametersindicate good stress or bad stress. This topic needsmore research before a Clear conclusion can bemade,The question is then whether enrichment reducesstress in animals or in fact increases stress. It can,however‘ be concluded that enrichment always hasan effect either positive or negative, For furtherresearch it will be of great importance to find waysto evaluate and quantify the effects of theenrichment so that the quality of the enrichmentattempts can be measured.(stetcotyptea2/8A topic which was introduced at the meeting wu.the use of IVC-systems (Individually VentilatedCages) There nus general agreement that thesesystems can be used for special purposes. eg.housing infected“ pathogen free. transgenic andvery expensive animals Espectally when thealternatives are an isolator or a SPF unit. then theIVC-system is much more flexible, The conclusionwas that much more research is needed for the useof the IVC-systcm. especially with regard toanimal welfare. to find out how the animals areaffected by the system. e.g. what is the draft-sensibitity tor rodents is it possible to enrich thelVC-system, how safe is the system?

Summary of Discussions from the workshop at Seanbur's Seminar Oct. 1998 with the topic “Positive and Negative Effects of Enrichment Elements in Cages for Small Rodents”

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Summary of Discussions from the workshop at Seanbur's Seminar Oct. 1998 with the topic “Positive and Negative Effects of Enrichment Elements in Cages for Small Rodents”

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