Environmental Enrichment

Not only is it ethical to want lab animals to be mentally healthy, but it will also help prevent behavioural problems that may affect the result of the research project. The six main aspects to keep in mind regarding animal mental health are study design, housing, social contact with same species, feed, enrichment devices and human interaction.

For mice:

• Study design
• Housing - wire-bottom vs. solid bottom cages
• Social interaction - single vs. pair vs. group housing
• Feed - ad libitum
• Enrichment devices - tubes, running wheels, marbles
• Human interaction - minor value

For rats:

• Study design
• Housing - wire-bottom vs. solid bottom cages
• Social interaction - single vs. pair vs. group housing
• Feed - ad libitum vs. diet optimization
• Enrichment devices - tubes, marbles, hanging toys
• Human interaction - possible value

For rabbits:

• Study design
• Housing - flooring considerations
• Social interaction - single housing with visual contact
• Feed - limit feed, treats
• Enrichment devices - toys, music
• Human interaction - probable benefit

For dogs:

• Study design
• Housing - cages vs. kennels, exercise considerations, flooring considerations
• Social interaction - single vs. pair vs. group
• Feed - limit feed
• Enrichment devices - toys, music
• Human interaction - extremely important

For non-human primates:

• Study design
• Housing - cages vs. pens, ability to retreat
• Social interaction - single vs. pair vs. group, extremely important
• Feed - limit feed, treats
• Enrichment devices - toys, hammocks, music, videos
• Human interaction - extremely important

For other species, a search on the Web will bring plenty of information regarding what is best for the animal you are working with. If you need assistance, please send an animalcare [at] mcgill [dot] ca (email).