Sound Welfare. Impact of sound on the welfare of laboratory animals

A scientifically grounded guideline is being developed, offering species-specific recommendations for optimal sound management in animal research facilities. The guideline addresses all elements outlined in the tender, including:

• Relevant acoustic properties;

• Species-specific characteristics;

• Potential effects of sound on reproduction, sleep, immune function, general welfare, and social behavior, depending on the species;

• Common sources of sound within research facilities;

• The impact of housing conditions, differentiated by species;

• Practical effectiveness of existing solutions;

• Methods for measuring and monitoring sound levels in the facilities.

Recommendations are tailored to individual species, with particular focus on mice, chickens, zebrafish, rats, and pigs. Where applicable, gaps in current knowledge and literature are also identified.