Behaviour of laboratory mice as an indicator of welfare state in genetically modified mice
Aims
The aim of this project is to observe laboratory rodents in their home-cage environment in order to determine whether or not home-cage behaviour can be used as an indicator of welfare problems such as pain, distress, and the onset of disease. It is important that the onset of pain or discomfort in laboratory rodents, for example genetically modified mice, is detected using the least invasive and most sensitive techniques. Behaviour, a complex expression of physiological state, has the potential to be such an indicator of welfare status.
The project will test the hypothesis that environmental enrichment can be used to improve the welfare of laboratory rodents by refining their living conditions. It will also determine whether or not subtle changes in behaviour in an enriched environment are accurate and sensitive enough to indicate any welfare problems.
Methods
Two types of home cage will be used: conventional basic cages that provide food, water and nesting material, and enriched cages that provide a more complex environment and therefore more opportunities for mice to express their natural, species-specific behaviour using a range of cognitive and motor skills. The first phase of work will determine the effects of an enriched environment on the overall welfare of individuals of a genetically-modified line housed either in control or enriched environments. The second phase of work will assess the value of monitoring home-cage behaviour as a sensitive indicator of welfare in genetically modified mice.
Implications for the 3Rs
Changes in behaviour that might be associated with the animals' welfare states will be observed. Any changes in home-cage behaviour will be interpreted by referring to conventional indicators of welfare, such as health status, body weight, or corticosteriod level, and by correlating behaviour changes with standard screening protocols for humane endpoints, and protocols designed to detect defects in genetically modified mice. This information will enable the early identification of welfare problems, and will be used to refine experimental procedures, in order to minimise suffering.
Publications
Littin K, Acevedo A, Browne W, Edgar J, Mendl M, Owen D, Sherwin C, Wurbel H & Nicol C (2008) Towards humane endpoints: behavioural changes precede clinical signs of disease in a Huntington's disease model. Proc R Soc B275, 1865-1874 Read the abstract
Littin KE, Edgar JL, Mendl MT, Sherwin CS, Wuerbel H & Nicol CJ (2006) Can environmental enrichment help detect welfare and onset of disease in mice. Proceedings of the 40th International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology.40, 238 Read the abstract
