What is the primary goal of environmental enrichment for laboratory animals?

The primary goal of environmental enrichment for laboratory animals is to provide comfort and reduce stress. Environmental enrichment involves enhancing the animal's living conditions by providing stimuli that promote natural behaviors and improve overall well-being. This can include adding structures for climbing, providing hideaways, or offering items for manipulation. By fostering a more stimulating and engaging environment, animals are less likely to exhibit stress-related behaviors, which can negatively impact their health and the validity of research outcomes.

This approach not only supports the psychological and emotional well-being of the animals but also aligns with ethical considerations in animal research, recognizing the importance of humane treatment. Ensuring the comfort of animals can lead to more reliable data, as stress can affect physiological responses and behavior, thereby potentially confounding research results.