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| Volume 12. No 2 | February 2012 |
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| Research Note |
Enrichment materials do not negatively
affect reproductive success and offspring
survival and weight in mice
Harry N. Shair, PhD 1, 2, Yasmin Nunez 3 & Mohamed M. Osman, DVM, PhD 2, 4
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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