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Rodent Enrichment
Rodent enrichment products support natural behaviors and promote animal welfare in laboratory and preclinical research. Ludomed offers Aspen hardwood enrichment products designed primarily for rodent models such as rats and mice, with applications that may also extend to other laboratory species when appropriate.
Our products include chewable Aspen blocks, tubes, and labyrinths, engineered to satisfy gnawing instinct and reduce stress without introducing materials that could interfere with study results. All products are manufactured from high-quality Aspen wood, a material favored by laboratories for its absorbent properties, low dust content, and safety profile in controlled environments.
Why Aspen Wood for Rodent Enrichment?
Aspen wood is widely used in laboratory settings because it offers a natural chewing surface that supports gnawing behavior without phenols or resins that can affect respiratory systems. This hardwood is favored for its consistent performance, safety profile, and research compatibility, making it an ideal material for enrichment products that promote normal rodent behavior and welfare
Chewable Enrichment and Natural Gnawing Behavior
Rodents have continuously growing incisors and an innate need to gnaw to maintain dental health. Aspen enrichment products, including chewable blocks, tubes, and labyrinths, are designed to facilitate natural chewing behavior and help reduce stress-related behaviors in captive environments. By providing a safe and appropriate outlet for gnawing, these products contribute to refinement in animal care and housing strategies.
Use Across Laboratory Species
While this category is focused on rodent enrichment, Aspen wood products may also be suitable for other laboratory species such as guinea pigs and certain non-human primates when appropriate to the study design. Selection should always align with species-specific behaviors, housing configurations, and experimental parameters.
Aspen Enrichment vs Other Materials
Aspen wood offers advantages over synthetic materials (such as polycarbonate or plastic) by providing a natural chewing substrate that does not introduce foreign compounds into the animal’s environment. Compared with paper-based enrichment, Aspen wood typically provides greater durability and is preferred when long-lasting chewable products are needed.
Choosing the Right Enrichment Product
Selecting the most appropriate enrichment product depends on animal species, housing conditions, study duration, and specific experimental requirements. Ludomed’s team can assist with product selection or customization to ensure that enrichment solutions meet research and welfare goals.
FAQs for Wood Sticks
Q: Can these blocks be used for species other than rodents?
A: Yes. While they are most common for rodents, our aspen wood blocks are also suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, and non-human primates.
Q: How often should enrichment blocks be replaced?
A: Replacement frequency depends on the animal species and usage, but generally blocks should be replaced when they become heavily soiled or significantly worn down.
Q: Are the blocks sterilizable?
A: Aspen wood blocks can be autoclaved, but they may lose some of their natural texture. Many facilities opt to provide fresh blocks rather than reprocess them.
