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Enrichment materials do not negatively affect reproductive success and offspring survival and weight in mice

Abstract

Environmental enrichment is designed to improve the overall welfare of laboratory animals, including mice. Few studies have directly assessed the effects of different types of enrichment on mouse offspring survival and growth. The authors examined how survival and growth of C57BL/6 mouse pups are affected by three kinds of cage enrichment materials: compressed cotton squares, two-ply tissues and plastic igloos. During the last week of gestation and the first two weeks postpartum, the authors observed cages with litters and noted use of the enrichment materials, quality of nest construction, number of pups per litter and weight of pups. Both the first and second litters were evaluated for each dam. Dams and pups had continuous contact with the enrichment materials, especially cotton squares and tissues. Neither the presence nor the type of enrichment material influenced the survival and weight of offspring, suggesting that the use of such materials does not negatively impact reproductive success or offspring survival.

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Figure 1: Nest quality was affected by enrichment condition.
Figure 2: Average pup weight was not affected by enrichment condition.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Mohanlal (Mitch) Balgobin and the rest of the animal husbandry staff in the Department of Comparative Medicine at New York State Psychiatric Institute for expert assistance. This research was supported by the New York State Office of Mental Hygiene and a NIMH-COR Training Grant to Mercy College.

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Correspondence to Harry N. Shair.

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Shair, H., Nunez, Y. & Osman, M. Enrichment materials do not negatively affect reproductive success and offspring survival and weight in mice. Lab Anim 41, 14–19 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0112-14

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