Sound Welfare
We study the impact of sound on the welfare of laboratory animals and develop a scientifically based framework with recommendations tailored to specific species, aimed at optimal sound management in animal research facilities.
Looptijd
/
Financiering
Vlaamse overheid | Departement Omgeving
Impact of sound on animal welfare
The guideline covers the following elements:
- Properties of sound relevant in this context
- Species-specific characteristics
- Possible effects of sound on reproduction, sleep, immune system, general well-being, and social behavior, depending on the species
- Typical sound sources in laboratory animal facilities
- The role of housing and how it differs per species
- Practical functioning of existing solutions
- Methods to measure and monitor sound levels within facilities
Recommendations are developed per species, with specific attention to mice, chickens, zebrafish, rats, and pigs. Where necessary, gaps in current knowledge and literature are identified.
Additional project information
- Project coordination: KU Leuven
- Supported by: Flemish government, Department of Environment (webpage in Dutch)
Researchers
Researchers: Stef Aerts (Project Manager IKCO-Basic Conditions & Lecturer Agrobio, Campus Brussels), Leen Verbist (Campus Sint-Niklaas), with the collaboration of researcher Adinda Sannen (Odisee).
