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Providing research pigs with enrichment objects can encourage species-typical behavior such as rooting and foraging. The authors gave pigs hard plastic 'foraging balls' that resembled enrichment devices commonly used for nonhuman primates. Holes were custom-drilled into the balls, and animal caretakers filled them with palatable food items such as jellybeans, unsalted peanuts, cereal, Beggin' Strips, primate biscuits and dog biscuits. Staff members suspended the balls from chains in pigs' enclosures, ensuring that toys did not touch the floor. All pigs manipulated the balls and were able to obtain treats that were supplemental to their standard diet. The simple and effective enrichment device was easily incorporated into the daily routines of research facilities, with little disruption to schedules.

Rodent feeder devices are often made of reusable, sanitizable materials such as glass and stainless steel. As part of an initiative at the authors' facility to automate the feeder filling process, disposable plastic feeding cups were proposed as a preferable alternative to standard feeders for use in a filling machine. The authors tested and validated designs for rodent meal-type feeder assemblies that incorporated plastic cups. Assemblies included stainless steel shields that prevented rats and mice from chewing on the plastic cups while allowing them full access to food. The use of disposable feeder cups that are filled and sealed automatically reduces labor associated with sanitation, enables staff to prepare feeders for several weeks in advance and limits personnel contact with feed that may contain harmful chemicals.