How to Enrich/Refine Lab Animal’s Housing and Environment by Environmental Enrichment Programs and Training?
摘要
Provision of environmental enrichment has become a basic consideration for the animals used in research. Societal concerns, ethical aspects, legal requirement, and quality of research have made animal housing conditions evolve significantly in recent years. Barren cages have been replaced by a variable spectrum of enriched environments. This poses several challenges for both animal care staff and researchers, and therefore, for institutions. In this chapter, responses to some practical questions on provision of environmental enrichment to several of the most commonly used species (rodents, rabbits, dogs, pigs, and macaques) are offered. The general concepts in the rodent section are applicable to all species.