Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of enrichment in laboratory animal care?

1. To provide aesthetic appeal

2. To stimulate natural behaviors

3. To minimize space requirements

4. To increase food consumption

The correct answer is: To stimulate natural behaviors

The primary purpose of enrichment in laboratory animal care is to stimulate natural behaviors. Enrichment involves enhancing the environment of laboratory animals to encourage species-specific behaviors, socialization, exploration, and cognitive engagement. This is crucial for the psychological well-being of the animals, as it helps to reduce stress and promote overall health. In laboratory settings, animals may experience boredom and distress due to confinement or limited interaction. By providing enrichment in the form of toys, activities, or habitat complexities, caretakers can invoke natural instincts such as foraging, climbing, or social interaction, thereby improving the animals’ quality of life. This aligns with ethical standards in animal research, as it acknowledges the intrinsic needs of the animals under care. Other options, while related to aspects of animal care, do not capture the core intent of enrichment. For example, providing aesthetic appeal might enhance the visual environment for caretakers, but it does not address the animals' behavioral needs. Similarly, minimizing space does not contribute to the welfare of the animals, as it may compromise their ability to express natural behaviors. Lastly, while increasing food consumption could be relevant in some contexts, it is not a fundamental goal of enrichment; instead, enrichment may influence how animals interact with their food rather than simply increasing its