Happy animals make good science

Abstract

In this paper the question is posed whether it is not only better for the animal to be happy, but whether its state of mind may also have the potential to influence the scientific results derived from it. To ensure good science, the animal should have a normal physiology and behaviour, apart from specific adverse effects under investigation. There is a growing body of evidence from a wide variety of sources to show that animals whose well-being is compromised are often physiologically and immunologically abnormal and that experiments using them may reach unreliable conclusions. On scientific, as well as ethical grounds, therefore, the psychological well-being of laboratory animals should be an important concern for veterinarians, animal technicians and scientists.

Improving quality of science through better animal welfare: the NC3Rs strategy

“…The importance of good welfare for good quality science "Good welfare equals good science" has become the mantra ever since Trevor Poole first highlighted the relationship between research animal welfare and the quality of science 8 , and, in the intervening decades, the evidence base for this relationship has been steadily growing. Animal welfare means how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives.…”

The effects of enriching laboratory cages using various physical structures on multiple measures of welfare in singly-housed rats

“…5,6 Therefore, as rodents spend a major proportion of their lifespan in the laboratory cage, improving this environment may not only improve their overall wellbeing 7,8 by improving their ability to cope with the environment, but also the accuracy of experimental results. 9,10 This in turn is likely to provide a valid animal model for research 11 and can ultimately result in a reduction in the number of animals used.…”

Preference of Guinea Pigs for Bedding Materials: Wood Shavings versus Paper Cutting Sheet.

“…They appear to have a nice feel and good elasticity, but the preference of animals for these materials remains to be studied and has not received much attention [7]. The present results may also contribute to animal welfare [13,22], and the practices concerning the housing of laboratory animals.…”