Outdoor housing of laboratory dogs: Effects on activity, behaviour and physiology

摘要: Abstract Laboratory dogs are mainly housed indoors and outdoor housing is often considered to be an insecure uncontrollable alternative. This study aimed assess the effects of laboratory on their general physiology, activity activity-related behaviours. Eight male Beagles were randomised into two groups pair wise in indoor (IH, 11 m 2 ), with or without access kennel (OH, ) during daytime. Activity (steps per hour), behaviour, usage facilities recorded 6 weeks a cross-over design. In addition, weighed once weekly blood samples taken three times week monitor physiological parameters for kidney, liver, pancreas immune system functions. Four prior other four had only been indoors. The effect type previous was analysed. OH resulted significantly higher level, frequency moving lower passive behaviour. Alanine amino transferase, white cell count, granulocytes neutrophils IH, while cholesterol lower, compared OH, although all kept within normal ranges. spent average 162 ± 11 out 500 possible min/day outside entering 102 ± 7 day. duration time outdoors longer second third first week. conclusion, can altering physiology. Further, it clearly increased voluntary behaviours should therefore beneficial welfare.