Turner R J, Held S D, Hirst J E, Billinghurst G, Wootton R J
Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK.
Lab Anim. 1997 Oct;31(4):362-72. doi: 10.1258/002367797780596194.
Laboratory rabbits kept in barren 'traditional' cages tend to develop stereotypic behaviours and bone deformities. We have used an alternative regime, housing adult does as groups of four or five in floor pens (2.5-3 m2) supplied with hiding places and bedding. High- and low-ranking members of each group were identified, and their immunological status compared in terms of blood leucocyte function (chemiluminescence and mitogen tests), complement activity, and antibody production to soluble and cellular antigens. We found no evidence of immunosuppression, either in groups of a 'docile' breed (New Zealand White) or Dutch crosses. These results, together with the animals' general health and ease of handling, lead us to conclude that group-housed does are suitable for raising antisera and other purposes, provided that they are adequately monitored.
饲养在条件简陋的“传统”笼子里的实验兔往往会出现刻板行为和骨骼畸形。我们采用了另一种饲养方式，将成年母兔以四五只为一组饲养在有藏身之处和垫料的地面围栏（2.5 - 3平方米）中。确定了每组中的优势和劣势成员，并从血液白细胞功能（化学发光和有丝分裂原测试）、补体活性以及对可溶性和细胞性抗原的抗体产生方面比较了它们的免疫状态。我们没有发现免疫抑制的证据，无论是在“温顺”品种（新西兰白兔）组还是荷兰杂交组中。这些结果，连同动物的总体健康状况和易于处理的特点，使我们得出结论，只要对群居的母兔进行充分监测，它们就适合用于制备抗血清和其他目的。
