The cage preferences of laboratory rats

Preference tests were used to assess a range of enrichment options for rats kept under standard New Zealand (and similar) caging conditions. The rats did not show significant preferences for most of the options, over an empty cage. The exceptions were shredded paper, a nesting box and a semi-enriche...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Laboratory animals (London) 2001-01, Vol.35 (1), p.74-79
Main Authors: Patterson-Kane, E G, Harper, D N, Hunt, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Husbandry - instrumentation
Animals
Animals, Laboratory - psychology
Behavior, Animal
Environment Design
Female
Housing, Animal
Male
Maze Learning
Play and Playthings - psychology
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Summary:Preference tests were used to assess a range of enrichment options for rats kept under standard New Zealand (and similar) caging conditions. The rats did not show significant preferences for most of the options, over an empty cage. The exceptions were shredded paper, a nesting box and a semi-enriched condition incorporating a range of modifications. These cage modifications are recommended for the enrichment of laboratory rats.
ISSN:0023-6772
1758-1117
DOI:10.1258/0023677011911390