Effects of 3 Rodent Beddings on Biochemical Measures in Rats and Mice

Abstract

Components of bedding might interact with experimental treatments and affect the outcome of various experiments. Here we studied the biochemical effects of 3 rodent bedding materials that are commonly used in Egypt. Male and female rats and mice were assigned randomly into 4 single-sex and single-species groups (10 animals per group). Three types of bedding-rice straw, wheat straw, and pine wood shavings-were evaluated. After 4 wk, animals were euthanized, and biochemical parameters were measured. In male and female rats given wood shavings, serum ALT activity and malondialdehyde concentration increased whereas catalase activity decreased compared with levels in the wheat straw group. In contrast, ALT activity and malondialdehyde concentrations decreased but CAT activity increased in rats housed on rice straw compared with wheat straw. Serum AST and ALT activities increased in male and female mice exposed to rice straw, whereas the malondialdehyde concentration increased and catalase decreased in the wood shavings group relative to the wheat straw group. In mice exposed to wheat straw, AST and ALT activities and malondialdehyde concentrations decreased and CAT activity increased compared with the other groups. Because our results showed that exposure to wood shavings affects some biochemical parameters of rats and mice, we do not recommend its use as laboratory animal bedding. We consider that, of the materials tested, rice straw bedding is the best bedding material for rats, whereas wheat straw is best for mice.

Evaluation of a Synthetic Bedding Substrate for Mice (Mus musculus)

“…Bedding is one of the most important components of the microenvironment for rodents. 3,9,12 Bedding material is sup-posed to be absorbent and cost-effective and to allow for natural behaviors, such as burrowing, foraging, and nesting. 7 The type of bedding material used affects not only the microenvironment of the mice but also the macroenvironment and thus personnel.…”

“…Bedding material is one of the most important factors in a laboratory animal's environment and can affect results of an experiment. 3,9,12 Bedding should be suitable for burrowing, foraging, and building nests; it also should be absorbent, widely available, and relatively cost-effective and keep toxic gases at low levels for as long as possible. 7 The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that bedding should be removed and replaced as often as necessary to keep the animals clean and dry and to maintain acceptable concentrations of pollutants.…”

Assessing Accumulation of Organic Material on Rodent Cage Accessories

“…Different types of bedding may affect animal wellbeing, the conditions of the cage environment. 8,18,22,24,31,35 and experimental outcomes in rodent studies. 30,49 Different types of bedding may affect the accumulation of debris on cage accessory surfaces because bedding types differ in their composition and size.…”

Evaluation of Potential Sustainable Bedding Substrates Focusing on Preference, Behavior, and Stress Physiology in Rats—A Pilot Study

“…While many husbandry programs of laboratory rodents apply pragmatic and cost-efficient measures, it is recognized that even minor changes in the environment may exert profound effects on phenotype and experimental outcomes [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. In this context, the type of bedding substrates might exert effects on research data by gene–environment interactions [ 4 ]. In addition to the consideration of potential artifacts and misinterpretation of data, a major concern should be raised concerning animal health and welfare [ 5 ].…”