Evaluation of perlite, wood shavings and corncobs for bedding material in rats.

Fatih Yildirim,Ahmet Yildiz,Seyda Cengiz,Selçuk Özdemir,Kübra A Kapakin Terim,Betül A Yildirim

doi:10.4102/jsava.v88i0.1492

Fatih Yildirim, Ahmet Yildiz + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v88i0.1492

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Abstract

Bedding material, which is a significant part of rodent housing, affects the health and well-being of laboratory animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate perlite as a bedding material for rodents and to compare it with wood shavings, expanded perlite and corncobs. The animals used in this experiment were 48 male and 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats. The bedding materials collected from experimental groups were analysed microbiologically. Blood samples from rats were subjected to biochemical analysis for catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, superoxide and dismutase, and foot pad skins of rats were subjected to histopathological examination. Body weight was determined at the end of the 30-day period. Perlite as the only bedding material had no effect on body weight, and it resulted in less microbial activity compared with the wood shavings, expanded perlite and corncobs. However, using perlite alone had negative effects on the skin, the moisture percentage of bedding and stress parameters. A wood shavings-perlite combination gave better results than perlite alone and appropriate perlite and other bedding material mixtures may result in bedding materials conducive to animal health and welfare. The frequency of changing the bedding material should be limited to once weekly.

Highlights

The type of bedding used is an important component of rodent housing and has as impact on the health and well-being of laboratory animals
This study aimed to evaluate perlite as a bedding material for male and female Sprague-Dawley rats and compare it with wood shavings, perlite and corncobs
There were no significant differences among groups considering bedding-change frequency, the body weight was higher in rats whose bedding was changed twice than in those whose bedding was changed once per week (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

The type of bedding used is an important component of rodent housing and has as impact on the health and well-being of laboratory animals. Each with their own unique characteristics, include wood shavings, paper, corncobs and chips. The importance of bedding material has led to many recent studies (Anand Babu & Prasad 2014; Bind et al 2013; Burn & Mason 2005, 2008; Burn et al 2006; Ferrecchia, Jensen & Van Andel 2014; Krohn & Hansen 2008; Maxim, Niebo & McConnell 2014; Peace et al 2001; Ras et al 2002). Wood shavings, which are composed of fine particles of wood, have recently been commonly preferred as the bedding material of choice for laboratory animals because of its low cost. It is avoided because of toxicological concerns (Dean 1999)

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