In search of a conditioned place preference test to assess the severity of experimental procedures

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 15, 2024

Abstract To compare the severity of experimental procedures and behavioural tests from an animal’s perspective novel methods are needed. In theory, one feasible approach could be use a conditioned place preference test (CPP). this for certain area in apparatus is associated with treatment. Traditionally, CPP used to investigate, example, effects drugs. Here, we wanted develop protocol, which instead would enable us different conducted mice. Nine experiments C57BL/6J mice were performed, varying setup, procedure duration, neutral stimuli (NS → CS; visual and/or textual), unconditioned (US; fixation, food reward, or weighing) as well presentation order before, after, parallel US). Unfortunately, none tested protocol resulted distinct preference. Moreover, even simple protocols using reward treatment failed result Overall, was sufficient form reliable association between NS US. We have scrutinized setup detail, cannot present solution yet. However, hopefully, our findings will help create working

Language: Английский

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Foraging Repertoire of American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) in Two Different Habitats in an Important South American Wetland

Waterbirds, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 46(2-4)

Published: May 10, 2024

The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a shorebird with wide distribution along the coastal regions of Americas. Similar to other oystercatchers, it primarily feeds on bivalve mollusks, crustaceans, polychaetes, and invertebrates. In this study, our first aim was describe feeding behavior repertoire at Lagoa do Peixe National Park, an important wetland for species in southern Brazil. Initially, we compiled behaviors from existing literature preliminary fieldworks. Subsequently, ad libitum observations were carried out, varying duration 1 10 minutes, quantitatively assess species' foraging both oceanic beach lagoon habitats. categorized into three main categories: Search, Capture, "Mandibulation". As result, total 132 minutes observation time 1763 behavioral events recorded. We observed that Search Capture categories had longer durations ocean beach, while "Mandibulation" category more prominent environment. specific prey available each environment influenced choice methods, highlighting Oystercatcher's flexibility adapting its strategies. These findings indicate different environments require strategies response food availability.

Language: Английский

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Lockbox enrichment facilitates manipulative and cognitive activities for mice

Open Research Europe, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 4, P. 108 - 108

Published: Aug. 28, 2024

Background Due to the lack of complexity and variety stimuli, conventional housing conditions laboratory mice do not allow these animals fully express their behavioral repertoire, including manipulative cognitive activities. Therefore, we designed mechanical puzzles, so-called lockboxes, for that can be provided in home cages. We investigated impact lockbox enrichment on phenotype affective state when compared (CH) super-environmental (SEE). Methods Young adult female C57BL/6JCrl were examined before after 2-month exposure different types a phenotyping test battery, tests trait anxiety-related behavior, calorimetric measurements, body weight analysis stress hormone metabolite concentrations, sequential problem-solving abilities with novel lockbox. At end study, adrenal gland weights determined pathohistological evaluation was performed. For all continuous variables, relative variability calculated. Results While affected neither behavior nor physiological variables (i.e., bodyweight, resting metabolic rate, weights) influenced. LE improved solving lockboxes) SEE. Regardless condition, increased most over time, although coefficient variation decreased some especially access LE. There no evidence toxicopathological effects associated material from which lockboxes made. Conclusions All are available as open-source tool. revealed beneficial performance lockboxes. Neither relevant reproducibility data compromised by LE, similar The may also used approach assessing cognition mice.

Language: Английский

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A note on dairy cow behavior when measuring enteric methane emissions with the GreenFeed emission monitoring system in tie-stalls

JDS Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(5), P. 395 - 399

Published: Nov. 17, 2023

Changes in the environment or novel procedures can result altered cow behavior during data collection; training is often recommended to ensure accurate being recorded. Currently, little known regarding habituation of dairy cows methane emission testing with GreenFeed monitoring system (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD), how relates enteric measurements. Methane emissions were estimated from a total 202 Holstein (120-150 d milk) housed tiestalls as part larger project. Cows tested on 0 (training day) and 1-5 (test for approximately 10 min, which was recorded by trained observer. While spent more time their head outside machine day (d 0) than test days 1-5), opposite pattern observed number leg movements. No differences production found over different days, though it negatively correlated both behaviors. These results highlight importance measurements minimize changes under tiestall conditions, whereas themselves are less affected. However, further research needed determine impact reliability repeatability may introduce bias genetic evaluations efficiency.

Language: Английский

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Characterization of acute pain‐induced behavioral passivity in mice: Insights from statistical modeling

European Journal of Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 53(9), P. 3072 - 3092

Published: March 6, 2021

Abstract Affective‐motivational disturbances are highly inconsistent in animal pain models. The reproducibility of the open‐field test assessing anxiety, malaise or disability remains controversial despite its popularity. While traumatic, persistent multiregional models commonly considered more effective inducing negative affect functional impairment, early psychobehavioral changes before chronification often underexplored. Here, we aimed to clarify fundamental relationship between hypernociception and passive distress‐like behavior using a model transient inflammatory pain. To minimize latent confounders increase data consistency, male C57BL/6N mice were habituated arena 6 times receiving unilateral intraplantar injection prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vehicle. Open‐field (40‐min exploration) nociceptive evaluated repeatedly along course both wild‐type transgenic with known pronociceptive phenotype. reduce subjectivity, multivariate behavioral outcomes analyzed by statistical modeling based on exploratory factor analyses, which yielded 2‐factor solution. Within 3 hr after PGE2 injection, developed significantly reduced center exploration (factor 1) marginally significant their habituation tendency 2), not apparent vehicle‐injected mice. passivity generally improved as subsided. Therefore, irritation is sufficient suppress mouse activity. absence late affective‐motivational some rodents prolonged may imply lack preceding underlying neuropsychological alterations. Procedural invasive experiments, however small, should be assessed adequately controlled potential research confounder.

Language: Английский

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