These positive behavioural effects persisted even after repeated aversive procedures. Moreover, restraining the tunnel- and cupping-handled mice by neck skin “scruffing” did not alter their willingness to interact with the handler. However, you can instead gently guide the mice into these clears handling tunnels. Although efficiency is a concern for large-scale implementation of novel handling methods, the tunnel method may prove beneficial for sensitive strains or studies requiring indirect handling. Research has shown that picking up mice by the tail induces aversion and high anxiety and generally should be avoided. As prospective prey … The basic way to use these methods is by NOT catching and lifting the animals by the tail, but either handle it in a transparent plastic tube (tunnel handling) or on the palm of one’s hand. Handling stress is a well-recognised source of variation in animal studies that can also compromise the welfare of research animals. The work, led by Dr Lindsay Henderson of Newcastle University, was funded as part of an NC3Rs Skills and Knowledge Transfer award to Dr Johnny Roughan, aimed at testing the reproducibility of non-aversive handling for improving welfare and data precision across several scientific disciplines. Tunnel handling has been shown in several studies from around the world to reduce anxiety in mice. Get monthly updates in your inbox from the NC3Rs on funding opportunities, events and publications. Request copies of our mouse handling poster for display in your facility. It is well established that using handling tunnels or cupped hands in place of picking up mice by the tail improves their welfare. In addition, using gloved hands to directly handle mice during cage changing is efficient and avoids the ergonomic strain associated with forceps. Non-aversive methods do not add time to husbandry or procedures provided staff are adequately trained. Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE | Tel: 020 7611 2233 | Fax: 020 7611 2260 | enquiries@nc3rs.org.uk, 3Rs advice for project licence applicants, 3Rs in toxicology and regulatory sciences, Embedding the 3Rs in COVID-19 return to research plans. Read the underpinning research and related papers. Many facilities in the UK and internationally have now adopted non-aversive handling methods as part of their everyday practice. They can be placed back by allowing them to climb freely from the device into the cage (Figure 31.5). Their work adds to the substantial evidence supporting tunnel handling as a way to improve the welfare of mice and reduce handling-related stress, even when experimental protocols require the use of more aversive procedures. According to the MGS, tattooing was not more painful than ear tagging but caused significant tail inflammation and more agitation and anxiety. Mice were either picked up by the tail or guided into a tunnel, then transferred to the testing arena. Therefore, it is important to know whether such protocols affect the previously-demonstrated positive effects of non-aversive handling methods. As handling mice by a tunnel requires minimal physical contact with the animal, this is likely to be another advantage for less experienced handlers. During 1-week acclimation to handling and subsequent 1-week oral administration (once per day), voluntary interaction with the experimenter was much greater in mice handled by a tunnel compared to those picked up by the tail. This can be overcome by handling mice using a tunnel, yet tunnel handling has yet to be widely implemented. To reduce background variation and maximise welfare, methods that minimise handling stress should be developed and used wherever possible. Information on Vole, or Field Mouse Removal and Control. tunnel (tunnel handling) preferred a handler on the ground of more increased voluntary interaction of mice with human, compared to mice picked up by the tail (standard tail handling). According to a rating of the ease of handling laboratory mice, a tunnel facilitated mouse handling during acclimation to handling and oral gavage of saline compared to tail handling. View our video tutorial on the refined mouse handling methods. However, despite clear negative effects on mice's behaviour, tunnel … Need vole removal in your hometown? Recent studies have identified that the standard practice of handling laboratory mice by their tails increases behaviours indicative of anxiety, which can be overcome by handling mice using a tunnel. Research has shown that picking up mice by the tail induces aversion and high anxiety levels, as assessed by a range of measures, which can be minimised by instead using a tunnel or a cupped hand. Dr Henderson’s work complements findings by other researchers showing that single or repeated scruff restraint, single IP injection, repeated subcutaneous injection, repeated oral gavage and tattooing or ear tagging also do not negate the positive effects of non-aversive handling. New research published in Scientific Reports shows the animal welfare benefits of picking up laboratory mice via a tunnel instead of by the tail persist even after repeated restraint, injection and anaesthesia. Tunnel handling improves the welfare of mice undergoing repeated procedures Thursday 10 September 2020 New research published in Scientific Reports shows the animal welfare benefits of picking up laboratory mice via a tunnel instead of by the tail persist even … Professor Jane Hurst describes the evidence supporting refined handling techniques and practical tips for implementation. Tunnel handling should be the method of choice for researchers conducting behavioural tests with these animals.’ In previous work, Professor Hurst and the Liverpool team developed alternative methods of handling mice that are much more animal-friendly and just as quick once the handlers are trained. The investment in training should be outweighed by the benefits observed with more reliable behavioural and physiological responses in the mice. A reel may also serve as means of transfer, as mice like to crawl into the dark tube or climb onto the device. The FAQs address common misconceptions. Tunnel-handled mice showed increased exploratory behaviour in an Elevated Plus Maze and Open Field Test, and spent more time interacting with their handler. Tail or Tunnel: Handling Methods Influence Mouse Behavior in Cognitive Tasks. Tunnel handling. Crucially, the authors found that tunnel handling alleviated the negative behavioural effects of the aversive procedures tested, unlike traditional tail handling. If cupped, open hands or clear tunnels are used to pick up the mice, they will show normal curiosity and behavior once placed in the test environment. For example, they may be restrained and injected many times over the duration of a study. However, two alternative methods for picking up laboratory mice have been investigated and validated in recent years [7–9]; ‘tunnel’ handling, that involves guiding mice into a tunnel before being lifted (thus avoiding direct contact), and ‘cup’ handling, where mice are scooped up and lifted with closed or open hands and allowed to move freely without direct physical restraint (video tutorials of … A study funded by the NC3Rs explored how handling methods influenced mice’s behavior during cognitive tasks. 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