Preference tests with rodents to assess housing conditions
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1992 |
Authors: |
H.J.M. Blom, V. Baumans, C.J.A.H.V. Van Vorstenbosch, L.F.M. Van Zutphen, A.C. Beynen |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Welfare |
Keywords: |
choice, housing, laboratory animals, preference, rodents |
Abstract:
Guidelines have been formulated by the European Community (EC 1986) to cover housing conditions for laboratory animals. These guidelines are based essentially on common practice of housing laboratory animals and on limited data concerning relations
between housing conditions and either animal growth or development of pathologies. Further information on this subject is required to optimize housing conditions of laboratory animals.
One method of research to gain such knowledge is the use of preference (choice) tests. Preference tests have been used to assess housing conditions of various animal species, such as farm animals (Dawkins 1976, Van Rooijen 1982) and laboratory animals (Weiss
et al1982, Baumans et aI1987). Animals are offered various housing conditions and their relative preference or avoidance is determined. It is assumed that preference for a certain housing condition indicates a move towards fulfilment of the animal’s ethological
needs and thus an increase in its welfare. However, as indicated below, results of preference tests should be interpreted with great caution.