Work

A customised combination of environmental enrichment reduces aggression in CD-1 male mice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Murine aggression has profound implications on animal welfare and husbandry. This report examines how three distinct combinations of environmental enrichment - wheel, igloo and tunnel; wheel, igloo, and tunnel with nesting; and tunnel with nesting - affect aggressive behaviour in CD-1 male mice. We found that combining wheel/igloo/tunnel enrichment with nesting or replacing the wheel/igloo with two tunnels while maintaining the nesting enrichment reduced aggression. These findings not only suggest how enrichment can improve the welfare of aggressive male mice but also emphasise the need for further research to determine the optimal combination of enrichment.

Source: Laboratory Animals

DOI: 10.1177/00236772251333986

Authors: Amy Veness, Christophe Galichet, Sian Murphy, Tina O’Mahony, Yoh Isogai, Eleni M Amaniti

Institutions: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, University of Cambridge, Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400