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Research rats are housed in either metal wire bottom cages or plastic solid bottom cages called shoeboxes.
Wire bottom cages are the preferred industry cage due to cleanliness and low labor maintenance.
However, rats housed in these cages may develop lesions on their feet from constantly being on wire mesh, which
is a major problem for research institutions.
With metal wire bottom cages oftentimes test subjects have to be taken off trial prematurely due to welfare
and health concerns. This further increases project overhead and results in compromises of accuracy and time,
as well as a financial loss for these projects.
- Solid floors are preferable to grid floors for all rodents and, if grids are to be used for extended
periods, a solid or bedded area should be provided for the animals to rest on unless specific experimental
conditions prevent this." (Anon Summer 2000, pg 8)1
Shoebox cages use bedding which addresses animal welfare concerns but also carry increased operational costs
associated with these very same concerns. In order to maintain acceptable sanitary conditions, research
facilities using these cages must replace the bedding frequently.
The guidelines for research animal welfare are changing. Animal care committees are becoming
increasingly concerned with the subjects’ psychological as well as physical needs. Enrichment devices
are being employed to add stimulation to the cage environment.
- Conscientious and informed scientists and laboratory-animal-science specialists comply with
regulatory guidelines. The Guide notes that solid-bottom caging with bedding is “recommended,”
but it also notes the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee “should ensure” caging enhances
animal well-being…” 2
- The inclusion of a resting area in wire-bottom caging, although not proven, might address
latter time restriction if foot lesions are eliminated with its use” 2
The RatLoft™ provides a simple and economical form of enrichment that meets the requirements of welfare standards
while at the same time minimizing operational costs.
Read the latest article published in ALN magazine April 2013
"How It Works - Reduce Flooring Concerns in Wire Mesh Cages"
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