Photo by Maureen Hargaden, ©Roche Laboratories Inc., 2005

Table of Contents

We dedicate this book to the numerous animal caregivers, animal technicians and clinical veterinarians who have the courage to actively express compassion in their daily work with animals assigned to biomedical research and testing.

Free copies of the book can be requested per e-mail from: viktorawi@yahoo.com

1. Introduction

2. Variables and Refinement

2.1. Confinement in Barren Cages

2.1.1. Variables
2.1.2. Refinement
2.1.2.1. Reduction of Stress, Distress, Fear and Anxiety
2.1.2.2. Alleviation of Maladaptive Behaviors
2.1.2.3. Reduction of Aggression
2.1.2.4. Enhanced Development of Species-Typical Brain Functions
2.1.2.5. Recovery from Brain Injuries and Neurodegenerative Processes

 

2.2. Cage Cleaning

2.2.1. Variables
2.2.2. Refinement

 

2.3. Transfer to an Unfamiliar Location and Separation from Cagemates

2.3.1. Variables
2.3.2. Refinement

 

2.4. Restraint

2.4.1. Variables
2.4.2. Refinement
   2.4.2.1. Habituating to Procedures
   2.4.2.2. Training to Cooperate during Procedures
   2.4.2.3. Stress Buffer

 

2.5. Multi-Tier Caging

2.5.1. Variables
2.5.2. Refinement

 

2.6. Noise

2.6.1. Variables
2.6.2. Refinement

2.7. Summary and Discussion

3. Environmental Improvements

3.1. Environmental Necessities

3.1.1. Flooring and Bedding Material
3.1.2. Shelter, Burrows, Nest Boxes and Nesting Material
3.1.3. Social Housing
3.1.4. Summary and Discussion

 

3.2. Environmental Enrichment

3.2.1. Objects and Structures
3.2.2. Space
3.2.3. Feeding Enrichment
3.2.4. Interaction with Humans
3.2.5. Summary and Discussion

4. Outlook

5. References