Publikationsdatenbank

Tunnel- versus tail-handling in a mouse breeding facility:
timecosts and behaviors in different strains (2022)

Art

Vortrag

Autoren

Hohlbaum, K. (WE 11)

Merle, R. (WE 16)

Thöne-Reineke, C. (WE 11)

Nagel-Riedasch, S.

Ullmann, K.

Kongress

15th FELASA Congress 2022

Marseille, France, 13. – 16.06.2022

Quelle

Laboratory animals

Bandzählung: 56

Heftzählung: 1 Suppl.

Seiten: 22

ISSN: 0023-6772

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00236772221103950

DOI: 10.1177/00236772221103950

Kontakt

Institut für Tierschutz, Tierverhalten und Versuchstierkunde

Königsweg 67
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 61146
tierschutz@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

Handling of laboratory mice influences their behavior and well-being. Catching and lifting the mice by the tail has been a standard method for decades. However, tail-handling was shown to cause anxiety and stress when compared to alternative handling methods like the use of a tunnel. Since tunnel-handling is considered to be non-aversive and positively influence animal welfare, this handling techniques has become more common recently.
The implementation of non-aversive handling methods in large breeding facilities is a particular challenge for animal welfare officers, facility managers, and caretakers. Besides animal care procedures and tunnel purchase costs, the needs of the scientists must be considered. These parameters may contrast with the welfare potential of tunnel-handling.
The option of introducing tunnel-handling during breeding and husbandry of mice prior to the experiment was piloted in a large, central breeding unit. The method was tested in comparison to tail restraint on 150 weanlings from three mouse strains over 9 weeks in routine husbandry. The cages were equipped with a transparent plastic tunnel that was used to transfer the animals weekly. The caretakers recorded the duration of each transfer, animal health, behavior of the animals before, during and after capture.
Statistical analysis of the data is currently in progress. Duration of transfers and effects of handling methods, mouse strain, and time on the animals’ behavior will be presented.