Shedding ultraviolet light on welfare in laboratory rodents: suggestions for further research and refinement

Dorte Bratbo Sørensen

doi:10.7120/09627286.23.3.259

Shedding ultraviolet light on welfare in laboratory rodents: suggestions for further research and refinement

Abstract

The welfare of laboratory rats and mice is sought to be optimised through adjustment of a variety of environmental factors, including light intensity and photoperiodicity. However, the fact that rodents are able to perceive ultraviolet (UV) light tends to be ignored. The importance of being able - as a rodent - to utilise this part of the visual spectrum has not been studied in great detail, but suggestions, based on the evolutionary success of this trait, indicate that the deprivation of ultraviolet light in mice and rats could perhaps impact negatively on the welfare of these animals. Further research into the importance of having a UV light source available to rats and mice should be encouraged.

Originalsprog	Engelsk
Tidsskrift	Animal Welfare
Vol/bind	23
Udgave nummer	3
Sider (fra-til)	259-261
Antal sider	3
ISSN	0962-7286
DOI	https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.23.3.259
Status	Udgivet - aug. 2014

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10.7120/09627286.23.3.259

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abstract = "The welfare of laboratory rats and mice is sought to be optimised through adjustment of a variety of environmental factors, including light intensity and photoperiodicity. However, the fact that rodents are able to perceive ultraviolet (UV) light tends to be ignored. The importance of being able - as a rodent - to utilise this part of the visual spectrum has not been studied in great detail, but suggestions, based on the evolutionary success of this trait, indicate that the deprivation of ultraviolet light in mice and rats could perhaps impact negatively on the welfare of these animals. Further research into the importance of having a UV light source available to rats and mice should be encouraged.",

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author = "S{\o}rensen, {Dorte Bratbo}",

year = "2014",

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doi = "10.7120/09627286.23.3.259",

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N2 - The welfare of laboratory rats and mice is sought to be optimised through adjustment of a variety of environmental factors, including light intensity and photoperiodicity. However, the fact that rodents are able to perceive ultraviolet (UV) light tends to be ignored. The importance of being able - as a rodent - to utilise this part of the visual spectrum has not been studied in great detail, but suggestions, based on the evolutionary success of this trait, indicate that the deprivation of ultraviolet light in mice and rats could perhaps impact negatively on the welfare of these animals. Further research into the importance of having a UV light source available to rats and mice should be encouraged.

AB - The welfare of laboratory rats and mice is sought to be optimised through adjustment of a variety of environmental factors, including light intensity and photoperiodicity. However, the fact that rodents are able to perceive ultraviolet (UV) light tends to be ignored. The importance of being able - as a rodent - to utilise this part of the visual spectrum has not been studied in great detail, but suggestions, based on the evolutionary success of this trait, indicate that the deprivation of ultraviolet light in mice and rats could perhaps impact negatively on the welfare of these animals. Further research into the importance of having a UV light source available to rats and mice should be encouraged.

KW - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

KW - animal welfare

KW - housing

KW - rodents

KW - ultraviolet

KW - vision

KW - visual perception

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JO - Animal Welfare

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ER -

Shedding ultraviolet light on welfare in laboratory rodents: suggestions for further research and refinement

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