Laboratory Mouse Behavior

Questions and Answers

Which behavior is NOT exhibited by laboratory mice according to the text?

Swimming

What is a notable difference between BALB/c mice and C57Bl/6 mice, as per the text?

Nest building ability

Which strain of laboratory mice is mentioned as more aggressive than C57BL/6 in the text?

DBA/2

What kind of vocalizations do mice use as communication signals in different social contexts?

Ultrasonic Signup and view all the answers

What is thought to influence the differences in behaviors among laboratory mouse strains?

Genetic factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in mice according to the text?

Facilitation or inhibition of social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Why do mice generally avoid open spaces and prefer to move along the edge of features in their environment?

To avoid potential predators using thigmotaxis Signup and view all the answers

What impact can substandard housing conditions have on laboratory mice, as mentioned in the text?

Development of abnormal behaviors like aggression and stereotypies Signup and view all the answers

What is one aspect of housing that can negatively impact the welfare of laboratory mice?

Use of transparent plastic cages Signup and view all the answers

Why are transparent plastic cages commonly used in modern laboratory settings?

To allow easy observation without removing animals from the cage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Laboratory Mice Characteristics

Laboratory mice are derived from wild mice (Mus musculus) and share similarities with their wild cousins.
They are predominantly nocturnal, highly social animals, living in family groups and territories.

Natural Behaviors

Laboratory mice will build nests, burrow, climb, and forage if given the chance, similar to their wild cousins.
Providing a living environment that allows natural behaviors improves their welfare.

Strain-Specific Behaviors

Laboratory mouse strains show differences in behavior expression and intensity, thought to be genetically determined and dependent on their origins.
Examples of differences include nest building, with BALB/c mice being better nest builders than C57Bl/6 and CD-1 strains.
Strains also differ in preference for enrichment items and levels of aggression.

Communication and Ultrasonic Vocalizations

Mice emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in a wide frequency range of 20–100 Hz for communication in different social contexts.
USVs are used to facilitate or inhibit social interactions, not to express negative or positive emotions.

Daily Activities and Senses

As nocturnal animals, mice are most active from dawn to dusk and retreat to shelters during the daytime.
They spend their active hours eating, exploring territories, running, climbing, and digging.
Mice have poor eyesight but good peripheral vision, relying heavily on their sense of smell and acute hearing.

Housing and Welfare

Housing and husbandry conditions have a major impact on laboratory mice throughout their lives.
Physical and social environment can influence welfare and research data quality.
Substandard housing conditions can lead to abnormal behaviors, such as increased aggression and stereotypies.
Mice prefer to nest away from their urine and faeces, and opaque cages may improve their welfare.

Neglected Housing Aspects

Mice have preferences for nesting away from their waste, but standard laboratory housing doesn't allow for spatial segregation.
Cage color can influence anxiety levels and behavior, with mice preferring opaque cages.