Posted on 11/22/2018
In the vivarium, laboratory rats are moved to new cages regularly. The cage change process is associated with numerous stressors, including unfamiliar surroundings, such as a new cage, and handling.
The cage change process is a regular part of day-to-day life in the vivarium. A cage functions as the laboratory animal's living space, so as time goes on, it gets dirty.
Staff regularly move laboratory animals from a dirty cage to a new one with fresh bedding, food, water, and enrichment. This allows the old cages to be either washed or disposed.
Cage changes are ...