Sustainable Management of Pencil Waste through Conversion to Rat Bedding

Background: On average, 20 tree barks are used for the production of animal bedding for Malaysian research universities that carry out animal testing yearly. Even though this figure looks small, sustainable environmental source usage is essential in this era of plant material scarcity. Hence, this research was anticipated for efficient management of pencil waste to be used as animal bedding material. This could reduce the amount of plant lodging for the preparation of bedding material and also efficiently manage pencil waste. Materials and Methods: In this study, pencil waste material was used as the animal bedding and this bedding material was tested for bacterial count and absorption capability. Furthermore, histopathological analyses of experimental animal paws were performed. The effect of pencil waste bedding on animal body weight and behaviour was also determined. Results: This present study indicated that pencil waste bedding did not show any significant difference in animal body weight, bacterial count and absorption capability as compared to commercial bedding. In addition, histopathological studies showed that there is no cell necrosis in animal cells. Conclusion: The current findings of this research concluded that pencil waste material can be efficiently used as animal bedding material to reduce plant lodging and efficiently manage pencil waste produced.