Enrichment put to the test

Animal welfare standards regard the single housing of normally social animals to be stressful. For animals that cannot be housed socially for scientific reasons, such as rodents on food intake–energy expenditure studies, the provision of environmental enrichment may alleviate stress. However, the influence of environmental enrichment on food intake and energy expenditure is unresolved. Robertson and Rowland tested the effects of two environmental enrichment options—a light-attenuating refuge and supplemental food treats—on food intake and weight gain in singly housed mice. Their results may help investigators and animal care staff members to develop and implement rodent enrichment programs. See page 29

Tusk trimming 101

The Yucatan minipig's anatomic and physiologic similarities to humans make it a suitable model for studying a range of conditions, from diabetes to heart disease. The boar's tusks grow continuously throughout its life. Although these animals tend to be gentle in disposition, boars used in biomedical research should have their tusks trimmed to avoid injury to handlers as well as facial trauma and discomfort to the animal. Eubanks and Gilbo describe in detail a tusk-trimming procedure. See page 35

Bleeding made easier

The use of mice in biomedical research often necessitates the acquisition of blood samples. Drawing blood from mice is challenging because of the animal's size. Methods for obtaining blood samples from mice tend to be difficult, inhumane, or both. Golde, Gollobin, and Rodriguez describe an inexpensive, disposable, single-use lancet for submandibular bleeding of mice that allows investigators to quickly draw 0.2–0.5 ml blood without the use of anesthesia. See page 39