Maximizing space while enriching it: A novel enrichment device

Authors: Payne, Rebecca; Cortez, Silvia; Hightower, Detroy; LOU, MARIA - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE)

Submitted to: Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/25/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Providing enrichment to laboratory animals enhances their quality of life and promotes a healthy physiological state of being. Rotation of enrichment items provides the opportunity for the animal to be stimulated in various ways. Currently, there is not a device available to use for efficient rotations of enrichment items. A major factor which inhibits the use of some enrichment devices is floor space in an enclosure. The enrichment mobile device we created has the capacity to hang four different enrichment items allowing you to have components that stimulate a variety of species-specific behaviors. It is made from a PVC pipe crossbar with stainless steel chains and attaches to the side bars of the enclosure via a sturdy metal pipe frame. All materials can be sourced at hardware stores making it cost effective and accessible to build at any facility. The design also allows for easy rotation of the mobile so staff can move it out of the way to clean the enclosure, or to switch enrichment items out. In addition, all the parts can be easily cleaned and decontaminated for reuse. Our device was designed with smaller pigs in mind but could be scaled or modified for other research animals. When used, it encourages animals to engage in species typical behaviors like foraging when used in conjunction with edible items. The creation of this enrichment mobile allowed for enrichment items to be held off the floor maximizing floor space, and the chains allow for easy change of enrichment during rotations.

Technical Abstract: Providing enrichment to laboratory animals enhances their quality of life and promotes a healthy physiological state of being. Rotation of enrichment items provides the opportunity for the animal to be stimulated in various ways. Currently there is not a device available to use for efficient rotations of enrichment items. A major factor which inhibits the use of some enrichment devices is floor space in an enclosure. The enrichment mobile device we created has the capacity to hang four different enrichment items allowing you to have components that stimulate a variety of species-specific behaviors.. It is made from a PVC pipe crossbar with stainless steel chains and attaches to the side bars of the enclosure via a sturdy metal pipe frame. All materials can be sourced at hardware stores making it cost effective and accessible to build at any facility. The design also allows for easy rotation of the mobile so staff can move it out of the way to clean the enclosure, or to switch enrichment items out. In addition, all the parts can be easily cleaned and decontaminated for reuse. Our device was designed with smaller pigs in mind but could be scaled or modified for other research animals. When used, it encourages animals to engage in species typical behaviors like foraging when used in conjunction with edible items. The creation of this enrichment mobile allowed for enrichment items to be held off the floor maximizing floor space, and the chains allow for easy change of enrichment during rotations.