U2Ch6: Caging systems

Question 1

Primary enclosure

Answer 1

preferred term in the Guide and the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations for aniamal housing, refers to the cage in which the animal is housed

Question 2

Cage design requirements

Answer 2

escape-proof, well ventilated, free of cracks and crevices for dirt/waste to deposit, smooth surfaces with no jagged edges, broken wire rungs or rust, allows for visual inspection of the animals

Question 3

Environmental enrichment

Answer 3

reduces boredom through mental stimulation, provides security, opportunities for exercise or social interaction; type of enrichment is species specific and must be approved by facility management

Some examples : nesting material, toys, perches, swings, resting boards, and foraging devices with feed treats

Question 4

What does the term “primary enclosure” refer to?

Answer 4

the animal’s cage

Question 5

Plastics used in caging

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Answer 5

Polysulfone - rodent caging and fish tanks

Polycarbonate - rodent caging and fish tanks not as strong/ popular as polysulfone

Polystyrene - nondurable and typically single use (shipping or radioactive studies)

Polyphenylsulfone - used for high risk infectious agents, stronger than polysulfone also more expensive

Polyethylene (PET) - single-use, disposable caging

Polypropylene - suspended rodent cages, aquative tanks, and rabbit cages, more shatter resistant but also more opaque

Question 6

Metals used in caging

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Answer 6

stainless steel - most commonly used metal, more expensive but does not visibly rust or corrode

Aluminum - replaced by stainless steel, light weight but not as resistant to washing and chemical exposure

Galvanized metal- used in older generations of caging but not used as much due to rust and corrosion problems

Question 7

Why is the use of polypropylene for rodent cages generally discouraged?

Answer 7

this type of plastic is opaque and it is harder to observe the animals

Question 8

Primary enclosure size requirements/factors

Answer 8

experimental requirements and animal related characteristics (body weight, height/length, exercise requirements, enrichment needs); an animal must have at least enough space to stand up, turn around, lie down and make other normal postural adjustments

Question 9

Standard cage

Answer 9

a rectangular box that is used for smaller species such as rodents, have solid bottoms and a layer of bedding to absorb the animals’ wastes + wire lid that typically has space for a feed hopper and a water bottle

Question 10

Microisolation cages

Answer 10

type of standard cage that has a plastic top with a filter; creates a barrier or containment system at the cage level

Question 11

Suspended Cage Systems

Answer 11

type of caging commonly used for larger rodents (guinea pigs), rabbits, also rats/mice; open like a drawer

Question 12

Why are cage clamps required on biocontainment cages?

Answer 12

to prevent accidental opening of the cage

Question 13

Appropriate caging should balance the needs of the animal with:

Answer 13

the ability to provide for sanition

Question 14

Which statement is TRUE about standard individually ventilated cages?

Answer 14

they are used for biocontainment studies, if ventilation fails, carbon dioxide levels can rise inside the cages, they limit the exchange of microbes between cages, bottled water is used

Question 15

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals does not recommend wire-bottomed caging for rodents because of the potential for:

Answer 15

foot injuries

Question 16

Modular cages

Answer 16

Aka stacked caging, cages are fixed in the rack, used for rabbits, cats, dogs, ferrets, and NHPs, some have interconneected side panels that can be removed to allow access to an adjacent cage, cage front has built in bracket for removable stainless steel feeder (bowl or J-feeder)

Question 17

Group caging

Answer 17

used to house multiple animals of the same species, can be mobile or stationary, when animals are group caged, feed and water are often offered in more than one location in order to avoid feed hoarding by dominant animals (cats, rabbits,

Question 18

Runs/Pens/Kennels

Answer 18

large enclosures that rest on the room’s flooring and may be attached to the room’s walls; can be stationary or mobile, typically made of panels to form square/rectangular spaces, can have bars or be solid. typically used to house dogs, sheep, pigs, and goats

Question 19

major differences between runs/pens/kennels

Answer 19

Pens - usually have short sides (40in), often housing pigs (need vertical bars or will climb) Runs/ kennels - taller (5-6ft), possible to extend to the ceiling

Question 20

NHP Caging

Answer 20

(indoors) can be housed in cages on racks, in group caging, or in cages attached to the wall. Lots of variation (can be as tall as a room, be modular, have squeeze restraint)

Question 21

Aquatic systems

Answer 21

• designed to manage large volumes of water
• must have a water source and a drain
• some have continuous flow of water in and out
• water quality is critical to healthy animals in aquatic housing systems

Question 22

Mini Animal rooms (cubicles)

Answer 22

designed to function as mini animal rooms within a larger room, typicaly house one animal rack. possible to house different species or animals that differ in health status

Question 23

Stall

Answer 23

used to house cattle and horses, a larger enclosure w/ high walls often the full height of the room

Question 24

Corral

Answer 24

used to house animals outdoors

Question 25

Metabolism cages

Answer 25

used to monitor several different parameters (feed/water intake or urine/feces output or oxygen intake/ CO2 expiratio) must be hand washed

Question 26

Transport cages

Answer 26

temporary housing used to move animals within the facility / another facility or to house them while their cages are being changed. aka jump boxes. meant for short term use

Question 27

Cage space recommendations and considerations

Answer 27

the Guide recommends: “at a minimum, animals must have enough space to express their natural postures and postural adjustments without touching the enclosure walls or ceiling, be able to turn around, and have ready access to food and water.” Other considerations include how must space is taken up things inside the cage with the animal (feeder/water bottles/ enrichment) must be subtracted from available cage space

Question 28

characteristics of acceptable caging by the guide

Answer 28

"Allow for the normal physiologic and behavioral needs of the animals, including urination and defecation, maintenance of body temperature, normal movement and postural adjustments. For breeding, cages should provide for the animals’ space and physical requirements in reproduction. Make it possible for the animals to remain clean and dry. Provide adequate ventilation. Provide the animal access to food and water. Permit easy filling, refilling, changing, servicing, and cleaning of food and water utensils. Provide a secure environment that does not allow escape or accidental entrapment of animals or their legs or tails. Allow social interaction and development of hierarchies for group-housed animals. Allow staff to observe the animals without disturbing them"

Question 29

Characteristics of individually ventailated cages

Answer 29

- bottled water can be used - they minimize an exchange of microbes between cages - they can be used for biocontainment studies - if the ventilation fails, carbon dioxide levels can rise inside the cages

Question 30

Why are cage clamps required on biocontainment cages?

Answer 30

to prevent accidental opening of the cage