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Cage Size Preference in Rats in the Laboratory.

Authors :
Patterson-Kane, Emily G.
Source :
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 2002, Vol. 5 Issue 1, p63-72. 10p.
Publication Year :
2002

Abstract

The size of an enclosure is an integral part of how well it accommodates a nonhuman animal's welfare; however, most enrichment studies concentrate on modifying the area inside the enclosure rather than enlarging it. It has been suggested that rats have little need for more cage space, but there is no empirical evidence about rats' need for space. This experiment provides preliminary evidence for the preferences of 5 male and 5 female albino rats using T-maze choices followed by 5 min dwelling times. The rats showed a moderate but significant preference for the larger of 2 cages (540 cm[sup 2] vs. 1,620 cm[sup 2]; binomial z, p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects

Subjects :
*ANIMAL cages
*RATS

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10888705
Volume :
5
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
6590368
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327604JAWS0501_5