Expert advice might be sought for special requirements associated with the experiment or animal subject (for example, hazardous-agent use, behavioral studies, and immunocompromised animals, farm animals, and nontraditional laboratory species). For some species, it might be appropriate to approximate the natural environment for breeding and maintenance. The environment in which animals are maintained should be appropriate to the species, its life history, and its intended use. After the decision-making process, objective assessments should be made to substantiate the adequacy of animal environment, husbandry, and management. Decisions by the IACUC in consultation with the investigator and veterinarian, should be aimed at achieving high standards for professional and husbandry practices considered appropriate for the health and well-being of the species and consistent with the research objectives. A strategy for achieving desired housing should be developed by animal care personnel with review and approval by the IACUC. For social species, this normally requires housing in compatible pairs or groups. The presence of hazardous or disease-causing materials.Īnimals should be housed with a goal of maximizing species-specific behaviors and minimizing stress-induced behaviors. The intensity of animal manipulation and invasiveness of the procedures conducted. The project goals and experimental design (e.g., production, breeding, research, testing, and teaching). The availability or suitability of enrichments. The ability of the animals to form social groups with conspecifics through sight, smell, and possibly contact, whether the animals are maintained singly or in groups. The species, strain, and breed of the animal and individual characteristics, such as sex, age, size, behavior, experiences, and health. Many factors should be considered in planning for adequate and appropriate physical and social environment, housing, space, and management. Well-trained and motivated personnel can often ensure high-quality animal care, even in institutions with less than optimal physical plants or equipment. Specific operating practices depend on many factors that are peculiar to individual institutions and situations. A good management program provides the environment, housing, and care that permit animals to grow, mature, reproduce, and maintain good health provides for their well-being and minimizes variations that can affect research results. Proper housing and management of animal facilities are essential to animal well-being, to the quality of research data and teaching or testing programs in which animals are used, and to the health and safety of personnel. Animal Environment, Housing, and Management
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