The influence of the stereotypic forms of activity in mice behaviour in standard behavioural tests

Laboratory animals often develop abnormal repetitive (stereotypic) behaviour that can influence both physiology and behavioural test results. Such behaviours usually in suboptimal environment increase over time. To explore the development of stereotypic forms activity night home-cage laboratory mice was analysed collated with open field (OFT), hole-board (HBT) tail suspension (TST) tests twice within 16 weeks. Mice expressed few stereotypies their duration lessened time from median 8.2 to 1.0 %. In contrast, grooming increased significantly 29.5 49.6 Home-cage correlated latency locomotion start OFT immobility TST. Intensity stability inf­luenced OFT: unstable groomed more than others, lowes level also most. influenced TST: were most mobile this test. Abnormal may indicate impaired welfare, that, turn, affect activity, so researchers need keep it mind when planning animal experiments.