Animal Stress Due to Noise and Vibration

Abstract: Studies have conclusively shown that noise and vibration can adversely affect breeding in laboratory mice and other common research animals. The misperception of the main factors that cause startle and distress in these animals is largely due to our complete lack of awareness of the various phenomenon. Stressors, inaudible to lab personnel, influence the behavior of animals in a myriad of facets and directions. Thus, the design phase of an animal holding facility should recognize potential sources of animal stressors, and how integrating long-term monitoring strategies may maintain or maximize healthy pup yield and minimize behavior changes resulting from stress. The benefits of long-term monitoring include more than animal health, behavior and breeding, but also elevate the productivity of research studies and facility operations, with less down-time