Current conventional housing for laboratory rodents is restrictive and detrimental to their welfare. While there is growing interest in providing animals with some form of environmental enrichment, it is time to work towards a higher standard; providing research animals with a “good life” should be a prerequisite for their use. The aims of this presentation are to illustrate what we consider to be the minimum day-to-day living conditions to be met when using rodents in research. A good life requires that animals can express a rich behavioral repertoire, use their abilities, and fulfill their potential through active engagement with their environment. This presentation will describe how rodents could be housed for these requirements to be fulfilled, from simple modifications to standard housing through to better cage designs and free-ranging options. Dr. Joanna Makowska will demonstrate how we can provide laboratory rodents with a good life.
February 23rd, 2022 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CET)
Free registration and more information
In case you missed the webinar: Visit the YouTube Channel of Berlin's animal welfare officer Kathrin Herrmann.