Implementing strategies to reduce singly housed male mice. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Azkona, Garikoitz; Caballero, Juan M
• Is Part Of: Laboratory animals. Volume 53:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 508
• Page End: 510
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: individualization -- male mice -- companion -- grouping -- refinement -- husbandry; Animal experimentation -- Periodicals; Animal models in research -- Periodicals; Laboratory animals -- Periodicals; Animal welfare -- Periodicals; 636.0885
• DOI: 10.1177/0023677219845028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-6772

Abstract

There are different husbandry situations that lead to social isolation of male mice. Besides legal considerations, single housing has a negative impact on behavioural and molecular studies. We have implemented two strategies, the 'companion mouse' and just-weaned male grouping, to reduce the number of male mice housed singly in our facility. We have achieved a progressive reduction (42% in three years) without an increase in aggression.