[en] The rabbit is an essential model in scientific research, particularly in the study of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis and for the investigation of the osteoarticular system. Due to the fact that various factors (environmental, microbial, stress, pain.) can influence data obtained from experiments, special care must be given to housing conditions. Sensory enrichment (olfactive, auditive, visual or tactile stimuli) and physical enrichment (nutritional and social stimuli) allow rabbits to express specific behaviours and reduce stereotypies. This synthesis reminds of the importance of these factors and gives to the researcher some ways to control them. [fr] Le lapin est un modèle essentiel en recherche scientifique, en particulier dans l’étude des maladies cardiovasculaires, telles l’hypertension et l’athérosclérose, et les investigations menées sur le système ostéo-articulaire. Divers facteurs (environnement, statut microbien, stress, douleur) peuvent induire de sérieuses répercussions sur la collecte des données expérimentales. La prise en compte de ces facteurs et leur maîtrise est indispensable à l’obtention de données reproductibles. Une attention particulière doit être accordée aux conditions d’hébergement. L’enrichissement sensoriel (stimuli olfactifs, auditifs, visuels, tactiles) et l’enrichissement physique (stimuli nutritionnels et sociaux : hébergement en groupe) permettent aux animaux d’exprimer de nombreux comportements spécifiques et de réduire les stéréotypies. Cette synthèse rappelle l’importance de ces facteurs et donne quelques recommandations aux chercheurs pour mieux les contrôler
Disciplines :
Veterinary medicine & animal health
Author, co-author :
Dewree, R.
Drion, Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centre animalier universitaire - Animalerie centrale
Language :
French
Title :
Towards a better use of the rabbit as an experimental model: review and perspectives
Alternative titles :
[fr] Vers une meilleure gestion du lapin en tant qu’animal de laboratoire : état des lieux et perspectives
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