After publication of this article [1], concerns were raised about missing data, reporting of the statistical analysis performed as part of the work, and the values in Table 1.

In discussing these concerns with the authors, updated values for Table 1 were provided. The values for Effect size (Cohen’s d) for weight, week 8 (g); temperature difference week 7 (°C); and temperature difference, week 8 (°C) should be updated to -0.57, 0.55, and 0.10, respectively. An updated table is provided in Table 1. It was also noted that the email address for the corresponding author was no longer correct. The correct email address for Sinja Mertens is sinja.mertens@web.de.

As part of its review into this matter, the journal requested additional details regarding the statistical analysis performed, in addition to a request related to data availability. The following was requested:

• Further details on how repeated-measures analysis was performed, for example indicating whether this was done using linear mixed effect models or MANOVAs.
• Whether one-way or two-way ANOVAs were performed and if the latter, whether a type 1 or type 2 ANOVA was performed.
• Further details on how Cohen’s d was calculated.
• All data necessary to replicate the study’s findings be made available in a public data repository.

The authors did not respond to these requests. A spreadsheet with data associated with the study was provided in prior communications, but the journal was unable to obtain permission from the authors to publish this file.

In light of the unresolved concerns relating to the statistical analysis performed and data availability, the PLOS ONE Editors issue this Expression of Concern.

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Table 1. Updated statistical results concerning the factors ‘housing’ and ‘handling’.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294388.t001