Enrichment Record 15 - April 2013

Volume 15, APRIL 2013 Record

THE

International Laboratory Publisher:Global Research Education and Training, LLC • Email: [email protected] • Website: http://enrichmentrecord.com
Animal Science BioConference
Live

The Role and Responsibilities
of the Enrichment Coordinator

Getting On the Same Page:
Using a Checklist to
Communicate Environmental
Enrichment

There’s No Place Like Home

Social Housing—
The Gold Standard
of Enrichment

Challenges IGNROEWNINRGICIHNTMEERENSTT
& Opportunities
of Implementing
EU Standards for
Social Housing
of Rodents

http://www.bio-serv.com/product/K3583.html

THE R e c o r d IN THIS ISSUE SPRING 2013

EDITORIAL BOARD In Other Words 2
3
Tim Allen, M.S. Challenges & Opportunities of Implementing
Animal Welfare Information Center EU Standards for Social Housing of Rodents 5

Genevieve Andrews-Kelly, B.S., LATG Getting on the Same Page: Using a Checklist 9
Huntingdon Life Sciences to Communicate Environmental Enrichment 11
17
Elizabeth Dodemaide, B.V.Sc., M.A., MACVSc There’s No Place Like Home
Associate Director, Laboratory Animal Services 21
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey International Laboratory Animal BioConference Live 23
23
Karen Froberg-Fejko, V.M.D., President, Bio-Serv The Role and Responsibilities 25
of the Enrichment Coordinator 27
Joanne Gere, Founder, BioScience Collaborative 28
Social Housing—The Gold Standard of Enrichment
Jayne Mackta
President & CEO, Global Research Education & Training LLC Resources
Upcoming Meetings
Emily G. Patterson-Kane, Ph.D.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Idea Exchange
Animal Welfare Division Enriching Profile

Kathleen L. Smiler, D.V.M., DACLAM Meeting Up
Consultant, Laboratory Animal Medicine

Rhoda Weiner, Weiner & Associates

Joanne Zurlo, Ph.D.
Director of Science Strategy
The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)

Please direct all inquiries to
Rhoda Weiner, Editor: [email protected]

We’d love to hear from you!
We welcome your comments, observations and contributions
to The Enrichment Record. Contributors include lab animal
veterinarians, principal investigators, animal care staff, animal
behaviorists, animal technologists and members of the bioscience
community who promote the 4 Rs: reduction, replacement,
refinement and respect.

Share your story ideas with Rhoda Weiner, Editor at
[email protected]
Guidelines for authors can be accessed at
http://enrichmentrecord.com/contribute/

Please give credit where credit is due.
Outstanding animal care is truly a team effort, and we ask
you to credit colleagues, published reports, articles, and other
reference materials that have contributed to your enrichment article.
Great ideas don’t happen in a vacuum, and we encourage you
to list all sources of inspiration.

The Enrichment Record is not a peer-reviewed journal.
However, the Editorial Board of this E-Zine is
composed of dedicated volunteers who have
extensive experience and expertise in the
care of laboratory animals. Members of the
Board are involved with all aspects of this
publication.

The Enrichment Record is published in October, January,
April and July. If you are interested in advertising in
The Enrichment Record, please visit:
http://enrichmentrecord.com/advertise/

Publisher:
GR8 (Global Research Education & Training, LLC)
http://enrichmentrecord.com
Jayne Mackta, President & CEO

1SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

The Enrichment Record In Other Words
is a quarterly E-Zine/Forum for:
“If I could store any character
• Discussing environmental quality in a cookie jar, I’d store
enrichment in the optimal care patience. Chocolate-chip
of laboratory animals patience cookies. And I’d eat
them all at one sitting.”
• Documenting best practices and
approaches for addressing —Jarod Kintz, This Book is Not for Sale
challenges of implementation
& assessment at every level It is hard to wait. It sometimes seems
like forever before new ideas, innovative
• Sharing data on the impact methods or even common-sense reforms
of environmental enrichment on can be implemented, especially on
the science the job. Part of the problem is inertia.
Part of the problem is fear of the unknown. And a large part of the
• Building the case for integrating problem is reluctance to move outside one’s comfort zone.
enrichment into research design
Happily, acceptance of environmental enrichment is gaining real
If you are interested in advertising momentum. The inclusion of EE in the 8th Guide has certainly helped.
in The Enrichment Record, please We like to think that The Enrichment Record is also playing some small
visit: http://enrichmentrecord. part in the acceptance of EE as a refinement that not only increases
com/advertise/ or contact animal welfare but improves the science as well.
Jayne Mackta, Publisher:
[email protected] Programming focused on EE in North America is steadily increasing.
Trainers and enrichment coordinators are submitting unsolicited articles
Advertising deadlines to us. Articles published in this EZine are being cited in other articles
January Issue—December 1 published elsewhere. Significantly, after several tries to generate
April Issue—March 1 discussion among members of various LinkedIn groups and list-servs,
July Issue—June 1 we finally got some buzz going when we widely posted the following
October Issue—September 1 comment from Dr. Patricia Turner: “There are trends to call basic cage
furnishings ‘environmental improvements’ instead of EE, to further
Advertising Rates emphasize that these items should be considered standard and not
Single Issue ‘add-ons’. This would include solid bottom cages with substrate, nesting
1/4 page $350 material, and a shelter for mice, for example.”
1/2 page $500
Full page $1,000 The topic is hot, and we can’t wait until there’s less talk and more
action. Of course, when EE is universally considered standard of care
4 Issues for all laboratory animal species and no longer an “add-on,” we’ll put
1/4 page $1,120 ourselves out of business. What a great way to have your cookie and
1/2 page $1,600 eat it too.
Full page $3,200
Jayne Mackta, Publisher
The Enrichment Record President & CEO, Global Research Education
is an 8.5” x 11” format. & Training, LLC (GR8)
Full color; 300 dpi pdfs accepted.

Visit out website—
browse past issues:
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2 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Article Christina Winnicker, DVM, MPH, DACLAM

Director, Enrichment and Behavioral Medicine, Charles River Laboratories

Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing EU Standards
for Social Housing of Rodents

The EU Directive on the Short-term deprivation of social Rats housed alone had higher
protection of animals used partners or short-term solitary heart rates and arterial blood
for scientific purposes caging of adult rats or mice of pressures than those housed
specifically states: “Animals, sociable strains is considered in a group, indicating that the
except those which are naturally mild severity. Complete isola- solo rats were stressed2. There
solitary, shall be socially tion for prolonged periods of is evidence of social support,
housed in stable groups of social species (dogs & primates increased coping to a chronic
compatible individuals.” are specifically indicated in the stress, in female rats3. Social
Even “In cases where single Directive, but this could be housing also affords rats the
housing is allowed…the duration inferred to all species) is to be opportunity to engage in
shall be limited to the minimum considered severe, on par with normal play behavior. For mice,
period necessary and visual, inescapable electric shock or the benefit of social housing
auditory, olfactory and/or tactile forced swim or exercise tests is not always so clear, as
contact shall be maintained.” with exhaustion as the end certain strains are aggressive.
This is a more stringent stand point. In general, however, mice are
than previously, where “rats and also a highly social species that
mice should be group-housed” The Opportunities actively seeks the comfort of
(emphasis added). Effectively, The opportunity to provide a conspecifics4, even preferring
the new Directive requires social socially enriched environment the company of a dominant
housing for social species as is valuable to the welfare of to no company at all5.
a default condition. The any social species, including The provision of an enlarged
Directive takes a more active rodents. Rats will work harder or more complex environment,
stance on the promotion and for access to a conspecific than such as one where the
implementation of antagonists can avoid one
refinement, one of the either a novel object another, escape to their own
3Rs, stretching refine- or larger cage1, territory and end the chase6,
ment to include husbandry indicating that or nesting material is trans-
and care of animals, and not they are ferred with cage change7 may
just limiting it to scientific a valued decrease this incidence and
procedures. The assumed resource. alleviate the requirement
stress experienced by social for individual housing due
species in isolation is factored to aggressive interactions.
in when assigning the severity
of a procedure, elevating the The Challenges
importance of providing The adaptation of new housing
a behaviorally relevant standards will require either the
environment to a level on reduction of housing densities
par with alleviating pain.
continued on page 4

| 3SPRING 2013 THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Challenges & Opportunities continued from page 3

from current standards or important as the influence of of regulatory change is never
a significant capital outlay in a stable social group on the
order to purchase larger caging. animal. The second caveat is simple, the goal of improving
Either way, the housing capacity that weaned stock can be
will be reduced, and per diem maintained at higher housing animal welfare while
cost increased proportionally. densities for the short period
On the plus side, the Directive between weaning and sale, acknowledging the validity
allows a significant transitional provided that “the animals
period (institutions have until are housed in larger enclosures and acceptability of evidence-
2017) to comply with the new with adequate enrichment, and
housing and care standards. these housing conditions do not based standards should lead
Studies may be delayed or cause any welfare deficit such
blocked by the transition, but as increased levels of aggres- to an agreeable end.
that isn’t a measure of the sion, morbidity or mortality,
efficiency of execution: it’s about stereotypes and other behavioral References:
better welfare. Balancing what is deficits, weight loss, or other
desired, necessary & achievable physiological or behavioral 1. Patterson-Kane, E. G., Hunt, M. & Harper,
will require the consideration stress responses.” This allows D. Rats Demand Social Contact. Animal
of animal welfare and human for an evidence-based rather Welfare 11, 327-332 (2002).
and animal health and research than engineering-based 2. Sharp, J., Zammit, T., Azar, T. & Lawson, D.
needs. standard, and gives producers Stress-like Responses to Common Procedures
the opportunity to validate their in Male Rats Housed Alone or with Other
There are a couple of excellent stock paradigms. In the end, Rats. Journal of the American Association for
caveats that are specifically while the implementation Laboratory Animal Science 41, 8-14 (2002).
stated in the European guide- 3. Westenbroek, C. et al. Gender-specific
lines regarding space allow- effects of social housing in rats after
ances. One is that in long-term chronic mild stress exposure. Progress in
studies, if space allowances Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological
per individual animal fall below Psychiatry 27, 21-30 (2003).
those indicated, priority shall 4. Jennings, M. et al. Refining rodent
be given to maintaining stable husbandry: The Mouse­Report of the
social structures. In other Rodent Refinement Working Party.
words, rather than break up the Laboratory Animals 32, 233-259 (1998).
socially stable group because 5. Van Loo, P. L. P., de Groot, A. C., Van
the animals have outgrown their Zutphen, L. F. M. & Baumans, V. Do male
space allowance, the physiologic mice prefer or avoid each other’s company?
and psychological benefits of Influence of hierarchy, kinship, and
remaining in an established, familiarity. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare
stable social group outweigh Science 4, 91-103 (2001).
engineering standards. This 6. Crowcroft, P. Mice all over
appropriately acknowledges that (G.T. Foulis and CO LTD, London, 1966).
space allocation is not as 7. Van Loo, P. L. P., Kruitwagen, C. L. J. J.,
Van Zutphen, L. F. M., Koolhaas, J. M. &
Baumans, V. Modulation of aggression in
male mice: influence of cage cleaning regime
and scent marks. Animal Welfare 9, 281-295
(2000).

4 SPRING 2013 | ENRICHMENTRECORD.COM

Article Melissa Dragon, B.S., CMAR

Global Trainer
World Wide Comparative Medicine, Pfizer Global Research and Development

Getting On the Same Page:
Using a Checklist to Communicate Environmental Enrichment

Multiple species, study protocols Keeping everyone The Guide for the Care and
and user needs make it difficult in a vivarium informed Use of Laboratory Animals
to develop a one-size-fits-all describes reasons for providing
approach to standardizing and in agreement enrichment, possible unintend-
enrichment. Fortunately, it on enrichment practices ed consequences of enrichment,
turns out that there is a very for laboratory animals and a short list of examples
simple solution to the complex of enrichment strategies. It
issue of getting everyone on can be a bit like does not, however, prescribe
the same page—literally! herding cats. specific enrichment strategies.
A one-page enrichment check- Ultimately, decisions on
list can be used to indicate In other words, environmental enrichment
enrichment strategies for each next to impossible! must be agreed upon and
study protocol. This checklist reviewed by the IACUC,
indicates to Principal Investiga- to GLP toxicology, surgery, and researchers and veterinarians1.
tors (PIs) which enrichment cardiovascular and metabolism Since all study protocols need
options are available, encourages disease models. Some groups to be approved by the IACUC,
them to make decisions based allowed for only very specific, this was a good place to get
on animal behavior, and limited enrichment options, everyone on the same page.
communicates to the animal while others were happy to give After meeting with the IACUC
care technicians on which as much enrichment as possible. and receiving their support,
enrichment strategies may be Allowable enrichment varied we decided to create a
provided to the animals in a by species, type of study, and standard list of suggested
particular study. Study Director discretion. These enrichment options, so that
rules were unwritten and passed PIs were not required to write
While working in a large diverse on to new techs verbally, which up their own. Prior to setting
pre-clinical research company, made them difficult to adhere standards for environmental
agreeing on standard practices to, and difficult to monitor. The enrichment, literature searches
and communicating changes challenge was to capture this were performed to develop
was challenging (sound famil- information for each study, in a lists of species-specific
iar?). In my previous position manner that created the least behaviors, and then enrichment
as Behavioral Management impact on work practices, but was assessed on the ability
Specialist, I was tasked with was readily available to techni- to promote these behaviors.
coordinating enrichment cians providing enrichment. From that, checklists were
practices for rats, mice, guinea created for each species, listing
pigs, hamsters, dogs, swine, enrichment that was approved
and nonhuman primates. Our by the veterinary staff.
studies ranged from metabo-
lism and pharmacokinetics, continued on page 6

| 5SPRING 2013 THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Getting on the Same Page continued from page 5

Enrichment was divided into categories, and the PI was required to use protocol. The IACUC served
select at least one item from each category. as the gatekeeper, ensuring
that a checklist was provided
Approved Rodent Environmental Enrichment with each submission, and that
Study:__________________ Room: _____________ each category had a selection
or justification for not selecting.
Check the boxes for any enrichment that can be provided. At least one option should be selected These forms were then posted
from each category. to a shared online site that
was accessible to animal care,
Gnawing Object Nylabone® veterinary staff and investi-
Nesting/Housing Gnawpuck gators. A copy of the IACUC
Social Interaction Kong® approved completed form was
Gumabone® (mice only) then posted on each animal
BioServ® manufactured rodent treat room door.
raisins
Once the checklists were
Nestlet™ created, the process became
polycarbonate hut or tunnel self-sufficient fairly quickly.
PVC tunnel PIs were not opposed to the
Gnawpuck® extra work, as the form only
polypropylene Cozee Pad® required checking a few boxes,
polycarbonate Rest Stop adding a name, date and
paper or cardboard huts protocol number. The trade-off
group housing was the confidence that
Pair housing animals were receiving only
enrichment appropriate for
Study Director signature/date: ____________________________________ their particular research.
The animal care staff located
Rev. 0, 31OCT2007 as tunnels and huts) and social the checklist online, printed
behaviors (pair or group it, and posted it to the animal
If no options in a category housing). room door. This was often
were acceptable, the PI needed faster than leaving a message
to justify the omission in the The PI could select as many for a PI asking which enrich-
animal use protocol. For exam- options as were allowed in each ment was allowed, and waiting
ple, the rodent checklist offered category, and could add a for a response before setting up
options for gnawing behaviors specialized item in the “Other” caging. It was certainly more
(listing different devices and box. These forms were signed efficient than guessing which
materials which promoted by the PI and submitted to the enrichment was allowed,
chewing), nesting behaviors IACUC along with their animal setting up, then having to go
(various substrates to build back through 800 mouse boxes
nests and solid structures such and remove nesting material
that was not allowed for

6 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

a particular study! The IACUC that a solution exists that makes and to the care staff and IACUC
administrator only needed everyone happy. This new pro- on what enrichment was allowed
to remind PIs a few times to cess was circulated to different for each study. In order to get
include the form along with groups for feedback, then clearly everyone on the same page,
a submission, and it only took communicated to everyone it took creating a page that
a few seconds to review the involved, emphasizing the everyone could understand.
form for completeness. After benefits and limited resources It turns out that herding cats
helping with the initial creation required to implement. In this is a lot easier when everyone
of the checklist, the Attending case, communication was part agrees which direction to go in,
Veterinarian could sit back and of the problem and part of the and achieving agreement isn’t
relax, knowing that animals solution. Initially we identified always as difficult as it seems.
were receiving species- the problem as “animals are not
appropriate enrichment that getting the right enrichment”. References:
contributed to good animal The problem was actually
welfare. communicating about enrich- 1. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research.
ment to the PIs on what 2011. Guide for the care and use of
It’s not very often that a complex enrichment was available and laboratory animals, 8th ed. Washington (DC):
problem can be solved by a recommended for each species, National Academies Press.
simple solution, and rarer still

7SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

For more information visit www.labdiet.com or email [email protected]

Article Kimberly Wasko, CVT, VTS, RLATg, SRS

Drexel University College of Medicine

There’s No Place Like Home

There’s no place like home. of habit, the state of a rabbit’s
There’s no place like home. home or environment has
There’s no place like home. been known to physiologically
Are we in Oz and clicking influence their behavior,
our ruby red slippers together emotions, and overall mental
three times to get back to our health. And so, for the past two
cherished home? The answer years, our boys (who started
is no…because we are already the whole program)…have
home. Home for the past two grown accustomed to their
years has been ‘Free Range’ ‘Free Range Digs’, loving it all
style for our rabbit friends at the way. Since the creation and
Drexel. Living large and getting implementation of the ‘Free
large is our motto. And what Range Rabbit’ program, all
a wild ride it’s been. subsequent rabbits and trainer
rabbits have been living the
A home is a place of residence ‘Free Range’ lifestyle.
or refuge. It is generally a
place to provide safety and is Their hopping around the
used as a center from which huge pens, stretching the full
people or animals base their length of their bodies, running,
daily activities. Animals have playing—makes you laugh.
their own homes as well, either Their exploration of new
living in the wild or shared with enrichment treats and toys
humans in a domesticated is sweet. They are so much
environment or biomedical calmer, approachable and
environment. Home is also playful—it simply makes you
used to refer to the native smile. Rabbits are rabbits.
habitat of a wild animal. Since Some of their favorite activities
our friends in the biomedical include digging and a challeng-
environment don’t have their ing chew; it’s in their nature,
true native habitat, we try to their DNA. In the wild, rabbits’
simulate a captive one to the activities include digging and
best of our ability. And that’s burrowing underground and
exactly what has been done building entire populations
to provide our rabbits with an beneath us. Gnawing and
environment and/or aspects chewing are routine. Digging
of it in a research realm. and chewing as well as daily
exercise are crucial for a
Since it can be said that rabbit’s psychological and
rabbits are generally creatures
Continued on page 10

9SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

There’s No Place Like Home continued from page 9

physical well-being. Rabbits intelligent, the more consistent mirrors, and metal chew toys
that remain in a captive, an enrichment program, the doesn’t quite suffice as what
restricted cage environment faster they will learn and a rabbit would actually chew.
are more likely to exhibit demonstrate the behavior Offering hay daily is significant,
aggression, obesity, boredom, you are attempting. Developing not just a few times a week.
etc. They have energy to burn a daily routine is key. Allowing These simple changes to
—but it needs to be addressed rabbits a way to ‘be a rabbit’ rabbits that remain caged can
daily, if possible. Offering an in this limited environment, support some of their most
outlet or a permanent solution can tremendously contribute natural behaviors (chewing,
to these animals in this to their over-all welfare and gnawing). Little changes are
research world of ours makes accurate and ideal scientific better than none. You will see
for a happier, healthier, results. With this idea in mind, new behaviors you never knew
friendlier rabbit. Not to it could mean less risk of existed and you will get to
mention, reducing scientific repeating an experiment, thus know rabbit behavior better.
variables. less use of animals and healthy,
happier animals. It’s a win-win On behalf of our rabbit friends,
Figuring out ways to keep our for all. we congratulate the “Free
rabbits busy and entertained Range Rabbit Program” at
has not been an issue since Location, location, location!— Drexel Medicine, now in its
they went ‘Free Range”. is indeed everything. If your second consecutive year—
Going through different stages facility is unable or does not growing strong, happy and
of rabbit-hood in the free have the capacity to utilize healthy. The original boys
range style has allowed for large animal pens/runs as who started it all—are still
the natural progression of these rabbit ‘caging’, providing a large living large! Come on down
life stages. What is meant open, grounded space where and see us sometime.
by this—the dominant and they can exercise and socially I couldn’t be more proud
submissive rabbits determine interact a few days a week to have created such an
the hierarchy, adolescence would still be beneficial. amazing program with such
tends to bring about hormonal This will curb the mental and a positive impact.
and intensified destructive physical distress of being
phases and adulthood brings caged. Remember, if they are
them into a settling stage. being caged, pay attention
By allowing space and to the behaviors they exhibit.
enrichment, they experience Provide proper chewing
each phase and get through it— activities they would
close to what they would actually chew—such as
experience in the wild or as untreated grapevine, wicker
close as we can make it. baskets, wicker items (can be
stuffed with hay), untreated
Since rabbits learn by wood blocks, etc. Providing
repetition, are actually quite things like plastic balls,

10 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Article

International Laboratory Animal Science BioConference Live

The Veterinary Bioscience including, but not limited to, Bioscience Institute was thrilled
Institute and BioConference enrichment, housing, mitigat- to create this event, as their
Live, a product of LabRoots, ing pain and continually refining business model revolves around
brought together laboratory processes and models. It is also the reduction, refinement and
animal science professionals and becoming widely accepted that replacement of animal models.
experts for an innovative virtual increased animal welfare The LAS BioConference Live
conference, the Second Annual decreases stress, and this featured live video keynote
Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) decrease in stress has a direct, presentations where attendees
BioConference Live, which took positive benefit on the reliability had an opportunity to have
place on February 13th and of collected data. It may even their questions answered by
14th of this year. There were make the data easier to col- presenters in real time.
12,440 registrants; 9788 of lect in some instances, as the Conveniently held online for
those registrants attended. animals are more relaxed and free, the Virtual Bioconference
That makes LASBCL the largest potentially more compliant. was easily accessible, time-
Laboratory Animal Conference Refinement should be the efficient and cost-effective.
in the world. Of those 12,440 basis of all good research. Have
registrants, 5729 were from a great animal model? There Research Animal
places outside of the United probably is still a refinement Welfare: A Global
States, which fulfills the that is possible that could make Perspective
expectation that this is truly the model better and improve Kathryn Bayne, MS, Ph.D.,
an international conference! animal welfare at the same DVM, DACLAM, DACAW, CAAB
The top 11 non-US countries time. Surgical procedures, Global Director, AAALAC
in attendance: India, the leader no matter how simple, can
with 1029 attendees, followed ALWAYS be refined. Simply Abstract:
by Canada, UK, China, Spain, making sure that the surgeon Increasingly,
Egypt, Germany, Pakistan, is as well trained and as scientific col-
Australia, Italy and Brazil. competent as possible is a laborations and
refinement. Even expert contracts cross
The theme of the 2013 surgeons benefit from an country borders.
conference, Animal Well-Being objective person providing an The need for assurance that the
and Welfare Science, included objective competency and caliber of animal research and
four tracks: Animal Welfare, proficiency assessment. There is animal welfare are consistent
Non-Human Primates, always room for improvement. around the globe and that such
Refinement, and Surgery. It is animal use is done in a humane
becoming common knowledge This live, virtual event featured and conscientious manner is
that increased animal welfare speakers from all over the globe of concern to the scientific
for our laboratory animals is presenting their material in the community, the general public,
more than just putting a toy in fields of Animal Well-being and and other key stakeholders.
a cage. There are multifactorial Welfare Science as it relates to Global harmonization of animal
components to animal welfare NHPs, refinements, surgery and
animal welfare. The Veterinary continued on page 12

11SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Bio-Conference Live continued from page 11

care and use practices is increasing recognition of the can negatively impact study
essential due to the scientific value of environmental enrich- results. These perceived levels
need for reproducibility and ment, and concerns regarding of stress may be linked to a
statistical validity of results transportation of laboratory wide variety of issues including
intrinsic to quality research. animals. The global landscape handling procedures, environ-
Several pivotal international of research animal welfare is in mental set-up, or other subtle
organizations (e.g., the a state of evolution and these influences that caretakers may
World Organization for Animal topics will be used as a reflection overlook. It is important to
Health (OIE) and Council for of the progress made and identify any changes in behavior
International Organizations opportunities for future as early as possible and
of Medical Science (CIOMS) improvement. effectively treat these changes
have established overarching in order to limit and eliminate
principles and general guidance Establishing a Behavior their effects on the data
on the care and use of animals Modification Program collected. A structured behavior
in research to facilitate global Jessica Lockhart, MS, Ph.D., monitoring and modification
harmonization. In addition, the CAAB program can effectively track
establishment of an institutional Certified Applied Animal any changes in behavior as
culture of care, conscience and Behaviorist soon as they occur and treat/
responsibility promotes an Abstract: eliminate these undesired
environment of workplace behaviors before they have a
integrity, ethics-based decision Working with chance to become permanent.
making, good communication animals in In addition, the use of behavior
of institutional expectations, a laboratory modification techniques can
clear lines of authority, and or research also reduce stress on staff
a system for continuous devel- setting poses during daily and routine
opment and improvement of unique management of the animals in
the animal care and use challenges. residence at the facility.
program. When this institutional Primarily, Overall, the use of a behavior
culture is established, institu- animals need to be maintained modification program can
tional personnel will ground in a low stress environment in provide significant improve-
their decisions and actions in order to ensure that research ments to animal health and staff
an ethical context that will results are accurate and attitude at any animal facility.
promote quality science and reflective of treatment effects This presentation covered the
animal welfare. Several rather than the influence of important points of establish-
common themes addressing unexpected confounds. One ing and maintaining an effective
research animal welfare cut of the most difficult confounds behavior modification program
across country borders—training to address is the impact of in a laboratory setting.
of veterinarians in laboratory maladaptive or stress induced
animal medicine, implementa- behavioral changes in the
tion of the Three Rs, outsourc- research subjects. Animals that
ing/offshoring of animal use, perceive high levels of stress
availability of various medica- can engage in a wide variety
tions and diagnostic test kits, of coping behaviors (stereotypic
behavior patterns) that
12 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

The Veterinarian’s Role regulatory compliance, monitor- Ta (30˚C). Thus, mice are
Assuring Animal Welfare ing Program performance, and thermally stressed, which can
Taylor Bennett, DVM, Ph.D., supporting high-quality science compromise aspects of physiolo-
DACLAM, DACAW and humane animal use. What gy from metabolism to behavior.
Consultant, Program Evaluation, the LAV chooses to do with that Raising Ta is not a solution due
Regulatory Compliance: responsibility and authority can to increased aggressive interac-
Senior Scientific Advisor have a tremendous impact on tions and because temperature
for the National Association the welfare of all the animals preference differs by gender
for Biomedical Research involved in an institution’s and behavior. Nest building is
animal care and use program. an adaptive behavior that
Abstract: This presentation explored increases survival and
In the U.S., the role of the LAV in not only reproduction in the wild.
Laboratory assuring compliance, but in We hypothesized that nesting
Animal Veteri- supporting high quality science material would allow mice to
narians (LAVs) by managing an environment alleviate cold stress by building
are in a unique that takes into account the insulating nests and creating a
position animal’s health, behavior, and unique microenvironment within
compared to biological functions. the cage. Three common types
many of our colleagues in other of mice (BALB/c, C57BL/6,
countries when it comes to Some Like It Hot: CD-1), of both sexes, were
assuring animal welfare. LAVs Using Mouse Behavioral tested in the following experi-
have been granted a tremendous Thermoregulation ments. Data were analyzed as
amount of responsibility and to Improve Mouse GLMs. We first determined how
authority for managing insti- Welfare in the much material (0-10g) was
tutional animal care and use Laboratory preferred by mice at different
programs. The definitions Brianna Gaskill, Ph.D. Ta. Within standard Ta, all mice
developed to implement the Postdoctoral Research Scientist, preferred 6-10g of nesting
Animal Welfare Act (AWA) Charles River Laboratories material (P<0.05). Thus, mice
include one for “attending International, Inc. should receive no less than 6g
veterinarian” a key part of which but may need 10g or more to
includes, “a person … who has Abstract: alleviate thermal stress. Second,
direct or delegated authority In these experi- we determined if nesting
for activities involving animals ments, a nesting material altered thermogenesis.
at a facility subject to the material enrich- Dome-like nests radiate less
jurisdiction of the Secretary.” ment is validated heat (P=0.03) and CD-1 mice
The 8th Edition of the Guide for in terms of reduc- (P<0.01) and males (P<0.01)
the Care and Use of Laboratory ing a physiological showed energetic reductions
Animals also contains language stressor with natural coping from nest building. Only BALB/c
that addresses the veterinarian’s behavior, improving welfare, mice had reduced non-shivering
role in providing oversight for and demonstrating end user thermogenesis, based on brown
the Institutional Animal Care benefits. Mice are housed at fat protein expression (P<0.05).
and Use Program (ACUP), ambient temperatures (Ta) Last, we tested if reduced
including establishing policies between 20-26˚C, which is
and procedures, ensuring below their lower critical continued on page 14

13SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Bio-Conference Live continued from page 13

thermogenesis from insulating demonstrating the complicated biomedical researcher, but this
nests would free resources but often overlooked relation- relationship and its potential as
and improve reproduction. ship between the behavior a confounding variable should be
All mice provided nesting and the basic physiology of fully accounted for in the pursuit
material showed improved animals housed in laboratory of scientific validity.
breeding performance (P<0.01) environments. These examples
without increased food demonstrated that those Research Innovations
consumption (P>0.05). Only conducting behavioral research and Handling Techniques
C57BL/6 mice had increased must not discount biologically for NSG Mice
pup survival (P<0.01). This relevant manipulations and vice Emily Jocoy, Ph.D.
improvement has the potential versa. Female BALB/c mice Technical Information Scientist,
to result in economic gain for raised with nesting material The Jackson Laboratory
producers. These experiments excrete more urinary corticos-
demonstrate that nest building terone than those raised with Abstract:
decreases heat loss and energy no enrichment, and those given Immunodeficient
expenditure. Reduction in enrichment as adults experience NOD scid
thermal stress, by creating significant thymic atrophy gamma (NSG)
a unique microenvironment, compared to those given mice improve
improves mouse welfare and nothing. Pigtailed macaques the efficiency
breeding profitability. undergoing separation from of human
a social partner and movement disease models and enable
Behavior, The Most into a new room for experi- research innovations that were
Confounding of Variables ments show significant, transient not previously possible. This
Eric Hutchinson, DVM, increases in platelet activation presentation explained how
DACLAM over unmanipulated animals. NSG mice are the most effective
Director of Primate Medicine, Rhesus macaques demonstrating and reliable transplant hosts for
Molecular & Comparative self-injurious behavior as adults the widest range of human cells
Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins show significant differences and tissues, including the most
Medicine in cognitive performance, functional “humanized” immune
impulsivity, and dopaminergic system described to date.
Abstract: function as juveniles, years Attendees learned how NSG
Biomedical before their abnormal behavior mice support sophisticated
researchers may become overt. Finally, pre-clinical disease models
ignore the male C57BL/6N mice receiving such as patient-derived cancer
relationship a common clinical treatment, xenografts. Housing and
between an fenbendazole impregnated feed, handling techniques that
organism’s demonstrate potential deficits ensure the welfare of the mice
behavior and its underlying in rotarod performance over and the quality of research
biology at their peril; in untreated controls. The models were also described.
particular the increasing focus complicated relationship
on model refinement can have between behavior and biology
unintended consequences. may seem daunting to the
Four studies were presented

14 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Zebrafish Housing, Possibilities of refinement in terms of the
Husbandry, and Care Environmental benefit to the animal by assess-
George Sanders, DVM, MS Refinement: improving ing the use of and preference
Certified Fish Pathologist (AFS/ Housing Conditions of for certain refinement, the
FHS), Aquatic Animal Program Laboratory Animals effect on behaviour and the
Director, Department of Vera Baumans, DVM, Ph.D., performance of species-typical
Comparative Medicine, DipECLAM behaviour on physiological
School of Medicine, Laboratory Animal Science parameters. Also important
University of Washington Specialist, Dept. Of Animals, is to evaluate the impact of
Science and Society, refinement on scientific
In this lecture, Div Laboratory Animal Science, outcome, how the refinement
Dr. Sanders Utrecht University influences the scientific study
described and and whether and how the
discussed the Abstract: statistical power is affected.
most common Housing systems Communication and teamwork
methods used for for captive between animal welfare
the housing, husbandry and care animals have scientists, animal research
of zebrafish in the Laboratory often been scientists, institutional animal
Animal Science setting. designed on welfare officers, veterinarians
Topic included: the basis of and animal ethics committees,
• Review of Care and Use economic and ergonomic animal facility management
Guidelines—U.S.A. aspects, such as equipment, and personnel is a key issue
• Fish Uses in Biomedical costs, space, workload, for success.
Research ability to observe the animals
• Why Use Zebrafish? and to maintain a certain A Review of the
• Biosecurity/Housing and degree of hygiene, with little Physiologic and
Husbandry or no consideration for animal Behavioral Needs of
• Quarantine welfare. Environmental refine- the Laboratory Rabbit
• Sick Animal Identification ment can be defined as any and how Environmental
and Diagnostics modification in the environment Enhancements Can
• Euthanasia, Pain, and of captive animals that seeks Minimize Stressful
Analgesia to enhance their physical and Dosing and Handling
• Personal protective psychological well-being by Procedures
equipment, zoonoses and providing stimuli meeting the Karen Froberg-Fejko, Latg,
allergies animals’ species-specific needs. VMD
In this presentation, an overview President, Bio-Serv
of environmental factors that
influence the well-being of Abstract:
captive animals was presented Laboratory rabbits
with specific reference to the are used commonly
needs of the most common for a variety of
laboratory species. It is impor- research models.
tant to evaluate environmental Understanding their

continued on page 16

15SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Bio-Conference Live continued from page 15

behavioral and unique and State public health agencies for the Care and Use of
physiological differences from have occasionally eclipsed efforts Laboratory Animals emphasize
other species is an important to assure the highest standards the importance of understand-
consideration when employing of animal care and welfare. The ing the behavioral needs of each
appropriate husbandry and adoption of the 8th edition of the laboratory species in the overall
handling practices. This Guide for the Care and Use of animal care program. With the
presentation reviewed rabbit Laboratory Animals has required increased competition for limited
physiology, natural behaviors, that facilities take another look sources of grant funding, many
and enrichment options at their containment programs institutions are left with
including social housing. to assure that their husbandry financial challenges to ensure
Reducing stress and striving practices meet or exceed the their facility can provide for
for a well-adjusted rabbit will expectations outlined therein. a well-conceived enrichment
attain better research outcomes. This seminar focused on some program. This presentation
of the unique challenges in highlighted different aspects
Challenges and biocontainment with particu- of the Wake Forest University
Refinements in lar emphasis on environmental Nonhuman Primate Environ-
the Management enrichment and social housing, mental Enrichment Program
of a Biocontainment as well as discussed potential and illustrated how the changes
Facility under refinements to assure excellence to the Guide do not always
the New Guide in programs of animal care. necessitate sizeable changes
Iris D Bolton, DVM, DACLAM in the budget. Indoor/outdoor
Senior Clinical Veterinarian, Nonhuman Primate pen housing, indoor only pen
University of Texas Medical Environmental housing, and standard rack
Branch Enrichment Program housing for Rhesus macaques,
at Wake Forest cynomolgus macaques, and
Abstract: University African Green monkeys were
Working with Kelsey Neeb, BS, LAT addressed.
laboratory Environmental Enrichment
animals in Coordinator, Animal Resources
the containment Program, Wake Forest School
setting has of Medicine
always
presented Abstract:
unique challenges. Concerns Creating an
related to biosecurity, occupa- environmental
tional health and safety, and enrichment
adequate training of person- program for
nel compounded by potential nonhuman
bio- and agro- terrorism, public primates has
perception and vigilant scrutiny been the highlight of various
by agencies such as Centers for workshops and conferences
Disease Control, Department of for many years. Refinements
Homeland Security and Federal to the 8th edition of the Guide

16 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Article Kelsey Neeb, B.S., LAT
Environmental Enrichment Coordinator, Wake Forest University

The Role and Responsibilities of the Enrichment Coordinator

“What do you do But that’s not the end of it, is it? procedures; purchase,
for a living?” What is an Enrichment Coor- inventory, construct, or maintain
dinator? How can we describe enrichment devices; perform
Anyone in my position our position in a way that the literary searches to keep on
can see that this simple general public, and even other top of best-practices and
question does not have a members of the research professional standards; field
community, can identify with? requests for interpretations
simple answer. I would love to say that I am an of regulations and guidelines
animal trainer, but the majority pertaining to enrichment of
“I’m an Environmental of my time is not actually spent animals; perform behavioral
Enrichment Coordinator.” handling the animals. assessments of animals, and
then work with the research
On any given day, I might do and veterinary staff to address
a number of the following: behavioral issues; attend work-
train and oversee staff; write shops and seminars; actively
Standard Operating Procedures engage other members within
(or SOPs); coordinate housing my field to discuss common
animals in social groups; issues and potential solutions;
provide consultation on animal design and implement ways to
housing, husbandry, and study
continued on page 18

Kelsey with a red-ruffed lemur

17SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Enrichment Coordinator continued from page 17

study the efficacy of various The Guide for the Care and Use husbandry and research staff
enrichment techniques and of Laboratory Animals, 8th ed., about enrichment, socializing
devices; design, develop, and also provides a definition of animals, and managing the
maintain an organic garden for enrichment (pages 52-53). behavioral needs of the animals
food enrichment; cut down tree in their care. There are also
limbs for browse and/or natural The primary aim of environ- institutions that use an
cage furniture; and many other mental enrichment is to alternate staff member, such
tasks that might come up during enhance animal well-being as an operations manager or
the course of the day. by providing animals with veterinarian, to oversee the
sensory and motor stimula- enrichment program.
Depending on the institution, tion through structures and
the role of Enrichment Coordina- resources that facilitate the I happen to belong to the
tor could be as variable as the expression of species-typical second category. My primary
definition of “enrichment” itself. behaviors and promote role is to coordinate the enrich-
psychological well-being ment efforts of all components
An ILAR article written by Drs. through physical exercise, (research, animal husbandry,
Weed and Raber (2005) provides manipulative activities, veterinary, engineering,
several references and proposed and cognitive challenges administration, etc.) amongst
definitions of enrichment. according to species-specific our four campuses to create
characteristics. a well-functioning and consis-
Enrichment is an attempt to tent enrichment and behavior
ameliorate problems caused Well-conceived enrichment management program.
by containment, . . . the goals provides animals with choices Because of that, my days can
of enrichment are to alter and a degree of control over vary greatly based on each
behaviour so that it is within their environment, which component’s needs and the
the range of the animals’ allows them to better cope needs of the institution as a
normal behaviour (Chamove with environmental stressors. whole. As one can imagine,
1989, p. 155). this can lead to a wealth of
As you can see, there are a challenges, especially consid-
Environmental enrichment is variety of interpretations on ering the large size of Wake
a process for improving or the purpose and function Forest University, how diverse
enhancing environments and of enrichment and a variety research studies can be, and
care within the context of the of ways that an Enrichment the physical distance between
inhabitants’ behavioral biology Coordinator can meet these our campuses. There are many
and natural history. It is a goals. Some institutions need factors to keep in mind when
dynamic process in which their Enrichment Coordinator developing and maintaining
changes to structures and to function as the designated an enrichment/behavioral
husbandry practices are made individual that provides enrich- management program.
with the goal of increasing ment, animal-behavior manage-
behavioral choices to animals ment, positive-reinforcement The most important aspect
and drawing out their species training of animals, and social of my job is communication.
appropriate behavior and housing of animals. Whereas I have to be able to communi-
abilities, thus enhancing others need an Enrichment cate with all levels of staff in
animal welfare. (BHAG 1999, Coordinator to train animal
as cited in Young 2003, p.2).

18 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

all components in order for the the bulk of enrichment to the medical concerns ruled out
program to function effectively. animals. They are educated prior to addressing the issue
on how enrichment is meant as purely behavioral.
The research staff and investi- to function and why. They are
gators must have a clear trained to identify changes in If every component of the
understanding of the enrich- animal behavior, and to contact enrichment program is able
ment program to determine the Enrichment Coordinator or to communicate well with the
how the enrichment could the Attending Veterinarian. In others, everything else will
affect their studies. Enrichment most circumstances, they serve slowly fall into place and you’ll
is a variable. Behavior is a as the first line of defense in be left with an integrated, well-
variable. They need to be addressing behavioral issues or functioning, consistent, adaptive,
aware how daily interactions determining if something else collectively-engaging enrichment
with their animals could impact has changed in the animals’ program.
data. The research staff must environments.
understand the behavior of the So how do you become an
animal species they study, so The veterinary staff must be Enrichment Coordinator?
unexpected changes in behavior trained to identify various
can be discussed and addressed abnormal behaviors vs. normal I am asked this question
with members of the veterinary behaviors. In some circum- frequently, usually by someone
and enrichment staff. stances, a change in behavior who is interested in entering the
can be an indicator of pain or field. Sometimes, I’m asked by
In my circumstance, the other medical problems. These people who are assessing my
animal husbandry staff provides need to be investigated and ability to be considered an
“expert” in my field. In any case,
education and experience are
the most important tools to
obtain a position in the field,
whether that entails educating
yourself, pursuing more formal
education processes, or taking
advantage of opportunities to
gain more experience in your
desired career.

My childhood goal was to work
with animals, so I took advan-
tage of as many opportunities as
I could to work with animals in
a variety of different situations.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in
ecology, evolutionary and
population biology. In college,
I worked at the Purdue

continued on page 20

19SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Enrichment Coordinator continued from page 19

Cynomolgus Breeding Colony on their wood structure The challenges in being an
Wake Forest Primate Center Enrichment Coordinator can
be as variable as your roles
Veterinary Teaching Hospital. I was given the opportunity and and responsibilities. But the
I also volunteered at a local support to build a behavior/ rewards are just as great. As
therapeutic riding center work- enrichment program, train staff, an Enrichment Coordinator,
ing with horses, and interned at work with animals one-on-one I am able to be part of better-
the local zoo training lemurs, and develop the skills I would ing the research community.
chickens, ducks, and various need to excel in my current I support researchers in their
other species. I took advantage position. From there, I was goals and help them to maintain
of an opportunity to intern at offered the opportunity to join better animal models. I encour-
the Alaska SeaLife Center Wake Forest University and be a age them to understand ways
working with seals and sea part of their growing enrichment they can work with the animals
lions native to that area. After program. My experience is instead of against them. I also
college, I interned at the Shedd diverse, which helps me meet serve as an advocate for the
Aquarium, took a job as a the challenges of being an animals in their environments
veterinary assistant at an Enrichment Coordinator. I have to help ease the stress that
emergency vet clinic, and been, and continue to be, very any form of captivity can bring
eventually found a position as fortunate to work with passion- about. The field of research is
a veterinary assistant at a ate individuals that support the ever-changing and growing,
contract research organization same goals for animals in a and as such, the need for more
in Michigan. At that institution, research environment. Enrichment Coordinators
continues to grow and the
20 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD role they can fill continues to
evolve. The best reward, in
my opinion, is that I am part
of a community of dedicated,
passionate individuals work-
ing with animals in biomedical
research to provide improved
health to human beings and
animals.

References:

Chamove AS. 1989. Environmental
enrichment: A review. Animal Technology
40:155-178.

National Research Council. 2011.
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals. The National Academies Press:
Washington, D.C.

Weed, J.L. and Raber, J.M. 2005. Balancing
Animal Research with Animal Well-being:
Establishment of Goals and Harmonization
of Approaches. ILAR Journal 46(2):118-128.

Young RJ. 2003. Environmental Enrichment
for Captive Animals. Oxford: Blackwell
Science Ltd.

Article Joanne Zurlo, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist, Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing

Social Housing—
The Gold Standard of Enrichment

With the publication of the new single housing is required if the pair or group these animals
Guide for the Care and Use of animals must be monitored for from an early age to increase
Laboratory Animals in 2011, food intake, if they are immune the probability of compatibility.
there came a renewed emphasis compromised, or if they require Frequent monitoring is also
on the need for social housing water restriction. In such cases, necessary so that if serious
of laboratory animals. There the Guide recommends that aggression occurs, the animals
are numerous reports in the other stimulation be provided can be separated before any
literature about the positive in the form of environmental significant harm is done.
effects of appropriate social enrichment devices and/or
housing on the well-being visual, olfactory and auditory In order to address the
of laboratory animals. These contact with conspecifics. complexities and problem
include decreased stress, lower However, other experimental solving related to social housing
incidence of stereotypic situations, such as those that issues, the Animal Welfare
behaviors and improved require head caps or cranial Information Center at the
immune function. However, implants, do not necessarily National Agricultural Library,
achieving appropriate social justify single housing. the Center for Alternatives
housing can present challenges, to Animal Testing (CAAT) at
and inappropriate social hous- Similarly, other social species the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg
ing that results in aggression or should be pair or group-housed. School of Public Health and The
other negative effects can be Most rodents, rabbits, dogs and Enrichment Record will sponsor
more deleterious both to animal other mammalian species used a two day workshop that will be
welfare and to the science. for research prefer to be socially held at the Natcher Center on
housed. As with NHP, social the NIH campus. One day will
The species that likely presents housing can present problems if be dedicated to old world NHP
the greatest challenge for social the animals are not compatible. social housing and the second
housing is the nonhuman It is important to appropriately day will address social housing
primate (NHP). Animal welfare in other species. The dates
regulations have long recog- have not yet been confirmed,
nized the need to address the but please stay tuned to The
psychological well-being of NHP. Enrichment Record and the
Consequences of single AWIC (awic.nal.usda.gov) and
housing, such as self-injurious CAAT (caat.jhsph.edu) websites
or stereotypic behavior, or for updated information.
physical harm from an
incompatible cage mate, can References:
pose significant threats to the
quality of the research. It is National Research Council. (2011). Guide
recognized that certain types for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,
of research require that animals 8th Ed. Washington, DC: National Academies
be singly housed. For example, Press.

Roberts, S.J. and Platt, M.L. (2005). Effects of
isosexual pair-housing on biomedical implants
and study participation in male macaques.
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal
Science 44, 13-18.

21SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD



Resources Upcoming Meetings

A Guide to the Shape of Enrichment Workshop
Behavior & Enrichment June 9-13, 2013, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
of Laboratory Rodents Omaha, Nebraska
Authors: Christina Winnicker, This 4-day workshop consists of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities designed
Brianna Gaskill, Joe Garner, to encourage participants to develop and maintain goal-oriented, holistic, individual, and
Kate Pritchett-Corning assessed enrichment plans. http://www.enrichment.org
http://www.enrichment.org/miniwebfile.php?Region=International&NotFlag=1&File2=ind
Now available from Charles ex_sb.html
River, A Guide to the Behavior
& Enrichment of Laboratory 11th International Conference on Environmental Enrichment (ICEE)
Rodents is an excellent October 15-18, 2013
resource for those looking Dinokeng Game Reserve
to implement or enhance Kwalata Game Ranch in the Dinokeng Conservancy
an existing behavioral South Africa
husbandry and enrichment This will be the first ICEE to be held in the field, 45 km from Pretoria.
program. Authored by http://www.enrichment.org/miniwebfile.php?Region=ICEE&File=11iceehtml&File2=11ic
behavior and enrichment ee_sb.html_sb&NotFlag=1http://www.nzg.ac.za/icee2013/
experts with extensive
experience in the field, REMEMBER: Please send notification of your
A Guide to the Behavior Upcoming Meetings to Rhoda Weiner at [email protected]
& Enrichment of Laboratory
Rodents examines the innate The Enrichment Extravaganza
physiological and behavioral Rutgers University
needs of laboratory animals May 22, 2013
and details how to build
a successful enrichment The Enrichment Record and Rutgers University have partnered to bring
program around them. the Enrichment Extravaganza back to New Jersey. On May 22, 2013
Beneficial to both researchers the laboratory animal community will come together at Rutgers Livingston
and laboratory animals, Campus to share ideas and strategies for improving animal welfare in the
a successful enrichment biomedical research environment.
program enhances the well-
being of the animals, which This full-day event will consist of a morning plenary session featuring
can lead to more accurate Dr. Jan Lund Ottesen, Vice President & Head of Laboratory Animal Science,
test results and, in turn, Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark. Dr. Ottesen will be discussing Novo Nordisk’s
to better science. advanced enrichment program and emerging trends in Europe. As an appointed
industry member of the Danish Consensus Platform for 3Rs Alternatives to
Learn more at: Animal Experimentation and a member of the European Federation of
http://www.criver.com/en-US/ Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations’ (EFPIA) Research Animal Welfare
NewsEvents/WhatsNew/Pages/ group, Dr. Ottesen has a unique perspective and comprehensive insight to
Guide_Behavior_Enrichment_ offer the U.S. audience.
Laboratory_Rodents.aspx
Other featured speakers are Dr. Kristine Coleman, a primate behaviorist,
http://crivereureka.com/be- and aquatics expert Christian Lawrence. The afternoon session will include
havior-enrichment-guide/ four dynamic breakout workshops and a poster session. This year’s poster
session will allow primary poster authors the opportunity to share a proven
enrichment method or solution with their colleagues.

If you are interested in the latest advances and innovation in the field of
environmental enrichment, this is a must-attend event. For more information,
contact Denise Bianco at [email protected].
To register or to submit an enrichment poster abstract, go to
http://enrichmentrecord.com.

23SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

www.VBIwebinars.com

Idea Exchange Paper Strip Nesting Material
Enviro-dri/Eco-Bedding/Crink-l’Nest/Sizzle-Nest

Enrichment Brianna N. Gaskill, Post Doctoral Research Scientist
In the Spotlight Christina Winnicker, Director of Enrichment and Behavioral Medicine
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
A new idea-sharing Wilmington, MA
column for
Species: Rodents. We especially like the material for mice because
The Enrichment Record– of the substantial amount of research conducted with it, but rats and
a showcase hamsters also seem to build well with it.
for your
favorite Description: The material is a thick corrugated paper cut in thin strips
enrichment 4-5 inches long. The paper is 3-ply and can easily be woven to create
device! dome nests that act as retreat spaces and are thermally insulating.
It works even better when combined with other materials. We
Please provide a photo especially like this material as we feel it is similar to grasses which
of your favorite foraging are commonly woven into wild nests, making it a biologically relevant
building material.
device, manipulanda,
puzzle feeder, etc., Durability: The mice constantly build and destroy the nest throughout
a 24 hr period (unpublished data) so the material breaks down over
along with a brief narrative. time. We have found that the material can be used up to 2 weeks if
List the species that the cage is not crowded or excessively soiled. Transferring nesting
it is intended for, material to the new, clean cage has also been found to help minimize
post cage cleaning aggression1. However the integrity of the
describe how the device material is best if replaced or supplemented weekly.
is used, and include
Continued on page 26
a short statement on the
durability, cost, pros and cons.

How much time is invested
in preparation, and how
does that compare with
the time invested by the
animals? If you have

performed any behavioral
evaluations and a

cost analysis, include
that as well.

Please send your ideas to:
Genevieve Andrews-Kelly
at [email protected]

Thank you!

Example of a complex nest built by mice when they can use the structure of their
environment along with various materials

25SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Idea Exchange continued from page 25

A full dome nest built by a BALB/c mouse of nesting material is likely to be References:
somewhat enriching, providing
Why we like it: Mice are cold at least 8g of material has been 1. Van Loo, P.L.P., et al., Modulation of
stressed in standard laboratory shown to reduce cold stress11. aggression in male mice: Influence of cage
temperatures2. While this is not Giving mice 8-10g of material cleaning regime and scent marks. Animal
only a welfare concern, it is also has also been shown to improve Welfare, 2000. 9(3): p. 281-295.
a concern for scientific research: feed conversion11-13, pup survival13, 2. Cannon, B. and J. Nedergaard,
increased metabolic rates and and overall reproduction12-13. Nonshivering thermogenesis and its ad-
chronic stress can alter many Enviro-dri, based on our equate measurement in metabolic studies.
aspects of physiology. Simply calculations, is cheaper than Journal of Experimental Biology, 2011. 214:
raising room temperatures is not other popular nesting materials p. 242-253.
a solution because temperature (at appropriate amounts) and can 3. Gaskill, B.N., et al., Some like it hot:
preference differs with age, be utilized by your whole colony. mouse temperature preferences in
gender, and behavior, making it laboratory housing. Applied Animal
exceedingly difficult to identify Cons: Minimal! It can be diffi- Behaviour Science, 2009. 116 p. 279-285.
an optimal temperature3-5 and cult to observe mice during daily 4. Gaskill, B.N., et al., Working with what
increased aggressive interactions rounds, but in general, a mouse you’ve got: Changes in thermal preference
are seen in warmer tempera- hidden in a well built nest is and behavior in mice with or without nesting
tures6. Allowing mice to probably a healthy mouse14. material. Journal of Thermal Biology, 2011.
build nests is an adaptive We’ve found that observations 36: p. 1193-199.
behavior used by wild mice to and pup checks can easily be 5. Ogilvie, D.M. and R.H. Stinson, Effect of
survive in cold conditions7-8. made from the bottom of the age on temperature selection by laboratory
Not all laboratory mice can cage. We have even tested this mice (Mus musculus). Canadian Journal of
build efficiently with all nesting material on several types of nude Zoology, 1966. 44(4): p. 511-517.
materials9-10, but Enviro-Dri was animals which have issues with 6.Greenberg, G., The effects of ambient
identified as the best nesting eye lesions, and have found no temperature and population density on
material that even poor nest increased occurrences12. aggression in two inbred strains of mice,
builders could build with10. While Mus musculus. Behaviour, 1972. 42: p.
providing any type or amount 119-130.
7. Barnett, S.A., et al., House mice bred
26 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD for many generations in 2 environments.
Journal of Zoology, 1975. 177(OCT): p.
153-169.
8. Bult, A. and C.B. Lynch, Nesting and
fitness: Lifetime reproductive success in
house mice bidirectionally selected for
thermoregulatory nest-building behavior.
Behavior Genetics, 1997. 27(3): p. 231-240.
9. Rodda, C., B.N. Gaskill, and J.P. Garner,
Shopping for parts vs. final construction:
nest building in 3 strains of mice.
unpublished data.
10. Hess, S.E., et al., Home improvement:
C57BL/6J mice given more naturalistic
nesting materials make better nests. Journal
of the American Association for Laboratory
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Enriching Profile Introducing...

Genevieve Andrews-Kelly, B.S., LATG

Group Leader, Primate Behaviorist, Huntingdon Life Sciences, East Millstone, NJ

Enrichment should be as A founding member of the Editorial
fundamental as eating, sleeping, Board of The Enrichment Record,
and breathing.—Genevieve Andrews-Kelly Genny is a frequent contributor to
the online Laboratory Animal Refine-
ment Enrichment Forum. In addition
to writing and presenting about
enrichment, she is an experienced
Jersey Shore Ghost Tour Guide
(we’ll scare the yell out of you!)

Genny’s passion for environmental
enrichment dates back to 1995,
when she was a student at Rutgers
University. Originally, her plan was to
be a primate behaviorist in Africa like
Jane Goodall. And then…she received
an internship at LEMSIP (Laboratory
for Experimental Medicine and Surgery
in Primates) at NYU. Genny partici-
pated in animal husbandry, assisted
the technical staff, played with baby
chimps, concentrated on enrichment,
and fell in love! “I realized how
important enrichment was,” Genny
says, “and decided to be their voice.”

Genny Andrews-Kelly is a passionate supporter of environmental A graduate of Rutgers with a B.S. in
enrichment. The initial creator, along with Gina Savastano and International Environmental Studies,
Jennyann Fischer, of the Enrichment Extravaganza, an acclaimed Genny was inspired by Volunteer
forum for new ideas and strategies on integrating innovative Coordinator Cynthia Kirby and
enrichment methods into the daily care of laboratory animals Jayne Mackta, Publisher of The
to enhance their welfare, Genny is totally dedicated to Enrichment Record and President
advancing awareness and encouraging the use of environmental & CEO, Global Research Education
enrichment in our community. While The Enrichment Record is & Training LLC (GR8.) In her
now the primary sponsor of the Enrichment Extravaganza, current position at Huntingdon
Genny is still a major participant, facilitating workshops on Life Sciences, Genny uses positive
general enrichment topics. reinforcement techniques to train
cynomolgus macaques. She trains
staff in these techniques, provides
guidance and support for the refine-

continued on page 28

27SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD

Meeting Up continued from page 27 Meeting Up

ment of positive reinforcement programs There’s an old saying that “You can’t dance at two weddings
for nonhuman primates and swine, and at once.” You also can’t attend all the meetings and
serves on the Institutional Animal Care conferences taking place that offer the latest information in
and Use Committee (IACUC). She has also the field of laboratory animal science. Meeting Up will provide
served as Co-chair of the Enrichment and summaries of panels, workshops and symposia covering
Captive Care Committee. topics relevant to Environmental Enrichment. If you want
more information about any of the presentations described
Prior to assuming her current position, or want to contact the presenters, let us know and we will
Genny served as Veterinary Associate at
Merck & Co. In this position, she man- be happy to connect you: [email protected]
aged the Environmental Enhancement
Program for a colony of rhesus macaques NJ AALAS BRANCH MEETING
and vervets. She sought novel methods of
enhancing psychological well-being to pro- By Genevieve Andrews-Kelly, B.S., LATG
mote species-specific behavior and reduce
rates of stereotypic behavior. Her extensive The NJ AALAS Branch meeting was held at Novartis in East
knowledge of nonhuman primate behav- Hanover, NJ, on January 15, 2013. The speaker was Christina
ior enabled Genny to refine and evaluate Winnicker, DVM, MPH, DACLAM, Director of Enrichment and
enrichment activities for NHP in her charge Behavioral Medicine at Charles River.
while providing guidance and support on
the development and refinement of enrich- Dr. Winnicker’s presentation, Ethologically Relevant
ment programs for dogs, rabbits, guinea Environmental Enrichment, focused on developing a behavioral
pigs, ferrets and pigs. She demonstrated husbandry program. She discussed the importance of
her outstanding leadership abilities as chair understanding the natural history of the species that we
of the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) work with, but also pointed out the importance of research
Enrichment Committee. appropriate behavior—as some natural behaviors may not be
behaviors that we seek out in laboratory animals. For example,
Genny’s husband, Danny, is the comic book a wild rabbit would naturally flee from humans; although a
rtist who contributed memorable cartoons natural behavior, this is not desirable in a research rabbit that
to The Enrichment Record when readers needs to be handled by technicians.
were invited to explore their lighter side
and to share their world view from the Dr. Winnicker discussed the need to understand the biology
perspective of Danny’s beagles. The couple of the species we are working with—rats cannot see color, so
love to spend time with Pippin, a research colorful enrichment is not as important to rats as it would be
beagle they adopted in 2003, Frodo, a Lab for nonhuman primates. Animals need to be provided with
mix rescue dog, and their research cat, choice, and enrichment needs to be evaluated for efficacy.
officially titled The Monkey Cat. Obtaining a baseline for behavior and an appropriate ethogram
for the animals can help with the evaluation.
Thoughts on the Future
“We must make environmental enrichment Dr. Winnicker talked about “Three Ss”—Science, Security and
a priority,” Genny says, “until it is an Safety, in evaluating enrichment. For the Science perspective,
integral part of every animal care we need to ensure that research goals can be met with the
program.” She hopes that in the very near enrichment that we provide and that animals can be easily
future, enrichment will not be seen as observed and safely restrained. For the Security aspect, we
a separate issue. “It will,” she says, need to ensure that the devices can be properly sanitized to
“be something we automatically do!” avoid cross-contamination. As for Safety, the enrichment
must be durable, and not cause injury to the animals.
28 SPRING 2013 | THE ENRICHMENT RECORD
Ultimately, a successful and ethologically relevant
environmental enrichment program will encourage species-
typical behavior and support laboratory-relevant behavior
while decreasing abnormal behavior.

More information can be found in the book, A Guide to the
Behavior and Enrichment of Laboratory Rodents. If you would
like to request a copy, email [email protected].

T HE

The Enrichment Record is a quarterly E-Zine created by the Laboratory Animal
Research Community as an online forum for:
• Discussing environmental enrichment in the optimal care of laboratory animals
• Documenting best practices
• Sharing data on the impact of environmental enrichment on the science
• Building the case for integrating enrichment into research design

Have you heard? Thanks to VBI’s generous commitment
The Enrichment Record to open discussion about environmental
is now delivered
directly to 30,000 enrichment for laboratory animals,
animal research The Enrichment Record
professionals around
the world. can greatly expand its reach and ability
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at every level.