Share thisA focus group looks at creating a rat cage with animal welfare at the forefront
Over the past ten years, the explosion in the use of transgenic mice has led to huge improvements in Individually Vented Cages (IVCs) and environmental enrichment for the species. However, during this time, the housing needs of the rat have not kept pace. The traditional rat cage offers little in environmental stimulation for the occupants, with cage development often focused on the capacity, ease of sanitation, and disease control at the expense of behavioural and welfare needs of its inhabitant. Many studies suggest this approach leads to potential stress, which in turn means poor scientific models.
The rat requires an environment where it can display its natural behaviour, such as the bi-pedal posture, exploration, and climbing. Berdoy1 showed that these behaviours are not lost in the laboratory environment but suppressed by lack of expression.
In November 2007, a “Rat Focus Group” (RFG) was formed to consider how these issues could be addressed. The group consisted of members from academia, pharmaceuticals, contract research, and animal unit design who, together, have over 150 years experience with laboratory rats and were well placed to explore this interesting challenge.