Environmental enrichment should be applied consistently to all animals that are part of a study.

Environmental enrichment is a critical component in animal care that promotes the well-being of animals used in research. Applying enrichment consistently to all animals involved in a study is vital because it helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors, which can enhance the validity and reliability of research outcomes. When animals are in an enriched environment, they are generally healthier and may exhibit behaviors that are more reflective of their natural habits, leading to more robust data.

Consistent application of environmental enrichment across all animals ensures that no group is at a disadvantage, which is essential for maintaining ethical standards in research. This uniform approach also helps in minimizing variability in results that could arise from different levels of enrichment. In turn, this consistency fosters a more humane and ethical environment for research, aligning with the principles advocated by IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee).