Effects of a gentling programme on the behaviour of laboratory rats towards humans

摘要: Abstract The present study investigated the effects of a gentling programme on later behaviour laboratory rats towards humans. For that purpose, 24 female Wistar were purchased from animal breeding facility at age 21 days and allocated, genetically balanced, to an experimental control group. animals kept under standard conditions in groups three. group was subjected twice daily for 10 min per cage fourth fifth week life. This involved hand-feeding animals. In addition, talked during gentling. At beginning 6th, 8th, 10th 14th life as well 6, 6.5 9 months both tests order assess rats’ 6 same test additionally carried out by person not familiar purpose studying animals’ unfamiliar persons. each testing point precisely defined, standardised procedure out, including among other things, repeated catching animals, neck grip, hand modified open field involving human stressor. Evaluation results based five primary endpoints which defined summarised most important parameters assessment “tameness” Significantly higher values noted when compared performed sixth statistically estimated difference between until months. suggested level long-term effect programme. Contrary group, showed significant increase tameness over time, can be attributed getting used or age-related effect. analysis experimenters borderline slightly tamer with person. had beneficial proved suitable reduce fear