Mice respond to a cage change with altered activity, disrupted sleep and increased anxiety. A bi-weekly cage change is, therefore, preferred over a shorter cage change interval and is currently the prevailing routine for Individually ventilated cages. However, the build-up of ammonia (NH3) during this period is a potential threat to the animal health, and the literature holds conflicting reports leaving this issue unresolved.
Thanks to this multicentric study, we scientifically demonstrated that it should be not considered a risk anymore.
Moreover, thanks to the DVC® technology, we discovered unexpected insights, such as animals deciding which latrine area is from day 0. They immediately perform more and more activity on the opposite side, independently from the bedding type.
This peer-reviewed article will represent a masterpiece for the community, and it is already opening other questions the DVC® technology can help answer.
