Barbering in Laboratory Rodents: Problems and Prospects

Barbering is a behavior which involves the plucking or nibblingof fur, hair, or whiskers (vibrissae), leading to focal hair loss,and is often seen in laboratory mice and rats. The role of thisbehavior, including its relationship with stress, aggression, grooming,and aberrant stereotypic behavior, is actively discussed. Insightsinto the nature of barbering and its impact on laboratory rodentsshould be considered when planning experimental studies. Here, wediscuss recent data on the neurobiology and genetics of barbering,as well as its role in the behavior and central nervous system oflaboratory rodents.