Linear data representation of behavior counts, faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and selected organ weights of Sprague Dawley rats housed in semi-natural cage system and standard cages

For this study, a complex caging system (semi-natural cages) was designed furnished with different types of enrichment items together with increased cage space to determine if this could promote species-specific behaviour as a means of reducing stress and improving laboratory animal welfare. The study utilised previously described methods for welfare monitoring in animals namely: change in home cage behaviour, monitoring of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and monitoring changes in body weights and selected organ weights.