Analysis of the impact of environmental enrichment on the behaviors of bioterium rats

Rats are often used in experimental research due to their intelligence and ease of handling. However, traditional housing conditions can limit their natural behaviors, potentially leading to discomfort. Environmental enrichment aims to increase behavioral diversity, promote healthy behaviors, encourage positive use of the environment, enhance the animal's ability to cope with stressors, and reduce stereotypic behaviors. This study primarily aimed to assess the impact of environmental enrichment on laboratory rat behaviors. A group of 18 rats was selected and divided into three groups (n=6): control, physical enrichment, and feeding enrichment. The enrichment groups were provided with specific objects (a plastic tube for physical enrichment and a seed-filled cardboard roll for feeding enrichment) over a 10-day period, with open field tests conducted on days 1, 5, and 10 to evaluate time spent in central and peripheral zones. Statistical analyses were conducted in RStudio using t-test (p<0.05) to compare open field activity, water intake, and food consumption across groups. Results showed that animals exposed to environmental enrichment displayed fewer stereotypic behaviors and increased feeding frequency. Thus, assessing the impact of physical and feeding enrichment in rats of laboratory demonstrates that enrichment strategies provide positive impacts on animal welfare.