Identifying obstacles preventing the uptake of tunnel handling methods for laboratory mice: An international thematic survey.

ABSTRACT: Handling of laboratory mice is essential for experiments and husbandry, but handling can increase anxiety in mice, compromising their welfare and potentially reducing replicability between studies. The use of non-aversive handling (e.g., tunnel handling or cupping), rather than the standard method of picking mice up by the tail, has been shown to enhance interaction with a handler, reduce anxiety-like behaviours, and increase exploration and performance in standard behavioural tests. Despite this, some labs continue to use tail handling for routine husbandry, and the extent to which non-aversive methods are being used is currently unknown. Here we conducted an international online survey targeting individuals that work with and/or conduct research using laboratory mice. The survey aimed to

SUBMITTER: Henderson LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7156035 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature