Effect of two types of environmental enrichment for singly housed mice on food intake and weight gain.

For animals that cannot be housed socially for scientific reasons, such as rodents on food intake-energy expenditure studies, the provision of environmental enrichment may alleviate stress. However, the influence of environmental enrichment on food intake and energy expenditure is unresolved. The authors tested the effects of two environmental enrichment options on food intake and weight gain in singly housed mice. Their results may be helpful in developing rodent enrichment programs.