Grooming is a complex innate animal behavior that can serve as a marker of physiological
state of rodents under stress. Here, we analyze the impact of various experimental factors …

Barbering is a behavior which involves the plucking or nibbling of fur, hair, or whiskers
(vibrissae), leading to focal hair loss, and is often seen in laboratory mice and rats. The role …

This chapter illustrates the detailed steps and understanding required to avoid preventable
welfare impacts of housing and husbandry, monitor for physical and behavioural health …

To compare the severity of experimental procedures and behavioural tests from an animal's
perspective novel methods are needed. In theory, one feasible approach could be the use of …

The cognitive bias test is used to measure the emotional state of animals with regard to
future expectations. Thus, the test offers a unique possibility to assess animal welfare with …

Housing in metabolic cages can induce a pronounced stress response. Metabolic cage
systems imply housing mice on metal wire mesh for the collection of urine and feces in …