Assessing stability in body weight of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

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Authors
Cameron, Kristie
Bizo, Lewis A.
Starkey, N.J.
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Date
2014-06-23
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Type
Journal Article
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Trichosurus vulpecula (brush-tailed possums)
laboratory animal management
animal studies
testing non-traditional animals in laboratories
body-weight
free-feeding
stability
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Cameron, K.E., Bizo, L.A., & Starkey, N.J. (2015). Assessing stability in body weight of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Laboratory Animals, 49(1), pp.80-84. doi:10.1177/0023677214541257
Abstract
When conducting controlled laboratory studies with non-traditional laboratory animals it is important that methods for determining body weight stability are reliable. This helps ensure the health and welfare of animals when they are maintained during periods of free feeding or food restriction. This study compared different methods for determining body weight stability in six common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) maintained on a free-feeding diet under laboratory conditions. A criterion of five consecutive weighings with less than 2.5% change across days and no more than two consecutive days of weight loss or weight gain was judged to be the most suitable criteria for determining stability. It is important to study nontraditional animals, especially endangered or pest species, under controlled laboratory conditions and to have robust methods for establishing body weight stability.
Publisher
Sage Publications
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DOI
DOI: 10.1177/0023677214541257
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Sage Publications
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