6533b7dcfe1ef96bd1273549
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Environmental enrichment prevents pup mortality in laboratory mice.
Jan BaumgartCharlotte Sophie LeidingerNadine BaumgartChrista Thöne-reinekesubject
Litter (animal)0303 health sciencesEnvironmental enrichmentGeneral Veterinary040301 veterinary sciencesLaboratory mouseZoologyEarly death04 agricultural and veterinary sciencesBiologyAnimal Welfare0403 veterinary scienceMice Inbred C57BL03 medical and health sciencesMiceAnimals NewbornRisk FactorsAnimals LaboratoryAnimalsHumansAnimal Science and ZoologySurvival ratePerinatal Mortality030304 developmental biologydescription
Early death of mouse pups is a commonly known problem in breeding mice colonies, which is still often regarded as ‘normal’ or is even overlooked due to the counting procedures applied. As reduced breeding performance probably indicates reduced well-being, this seems to be an underestimated welfare issue in laboratory mouse breeding. The present study compares the influence of three different forms of enrichment in breeding cages on infant survival rate and development of C57BL/6J mice. Our data reveal that lack of enrichment results in greater preweaning pup mortality, reduced weight and delayed development. Changing the environmental conditions after birth cannot prevent litter loss but improves the development of pups born in impoverished environments. Overall, our results underline the importance of early counting of mice for optimizing refinement strategies to ensure well-being and breeding success.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-05-24 | Laboratory animals |