Pupil size variation as a response to stress in European catfish and its application for social stress detection in albino conspecifics
Hormonal changes such as increased cortisol level in blood plasma in response to stress and social environmental stimuli are common among vertebrates including humans and typically accompanied by other physiological processes, such as changes in body pigmentation and/or pupil dilatation. The role of pupil size variation (PSV) as a response to stress have yet to […]
Plasma electrolyte concentrations in captive and free-ranging African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) maintained with and without dietary salt supplements
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20026.abs African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are common display animals in North American zoos and aquariums. At present, 43 American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA)-accredited institutions maintain over 700 of these birds. A survey of facilities found that only seven institutions maintain their birds in “saltwater habitats” (natural, brine, or artificial seawater systems), while the […]
Relations between peripheral and brain serotonin measures and behavioural responses in a novelty test in pigs
Abstract Pigs differ in their behavioural responses towards environmental challenges. Individual variation in maladaptive responses such as tail biting, may partly originate from underlying biological characteristics related to (emotional) reactivity to challenges and serotonergic system functioning. Assessing relations between behavioural responses and brain and blood serotonin parameters may help in understanding susceptibility to the development […]
Effect of living conditions on biochemical and hematological parameters of the cynomolgus monkey
The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) has been increasingly used in biomedical research. Although living conditions affect behavioral and physiological characteristics in macaques, little data is available on how living conditions influence blood-based parameters in the cynomolgus monkey. We hypothesize that there are significant differences in serum biochemical and hematological parameters in single-caged versus socially housed […]
Effect of new training technique on affinity of cynomolgus monkeys for animal care personnel
To confirm our hypothesis that the sex and age of cynomolgus monkeys influences the effect of training, we employed a new training technique designed to increase the animal’s affinity for animal care personnel. During 151 days of training, monkeys aged 2 to 10 years accepted each 3 raisins/3 times/day, and communicated with animal care personnel […]
Evaluation of perlite, wood shavings and corncobs for bedding material in rats
Bedding material, which is a significant part of rodent housing, affects the health and well-being of laboratory animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate perlite as a bedding material for rodents and to compare it with wood shavings, expanded perlite and corncobs. The animals used in this experiment were 48 male and 48 […]