November 6, 2009

Alternatives to Animal Use

The Three Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine):

Replacement refers to the replacement of animal models with non-animal models such as computer models and cell or tissue culture. Although most research cannot be replaced by the types of methods mentioned, consideration of non-animal systems should always be given through a literature search. See the information on literature searches below.

Reductionrefers to any methods you have used to reduce the number of animals required for this study. There is a section in the protocol that refers to the justification of animal numbers which is different from addressing the second R. The numbers justification section involves justifying scientifically that you are using an appropriate number of animals. Addressing reduction refers to specific measures taken or found in the search to help to minimize the number of animals required to accomplish the scientific goals. Examples of methods used to reduce animal numbers used are: 1) sharing tissues with other researchers 2) designing experiments in which animals serve as their own controls 3) using new instrumentation that improves precision and therefore reduces the number of animals neededfor the study.

Refinementrefers to any modifications that you have made to reduce pain and distress in the animals. Examples of refinements include: using the most up to date methods of anesthesia, surgery and analgesia, using people in the field with specific expertise to perform surgery or other potentially painful procedures, providing a list of any continuing education courses or conferences that will enhance the scientist’s abilities to do the procedures more effectively and which can substantiate that the latest techniques are used for the protocol.

The following information must be included in alternative section of the IACUC protocol:

  • The datethe search was performed.
  • The time period that is covered by the search.
  • The keywords and/or the strategy used for the search. Note that these words should include the names of each procedure which potentially causes more than momentary or slight pain or distress even if analgesia or anesthesia is provided. Include the word “alternatives” in the keyword list.
  • The names of the databases used for the search. Use relevant scientific databases and include at lease one alternative database. Note that if attendance at conferences is use as a source for the search the name and date of the meeting must be provided. If consulting with experts include the experts name, the consultant’s qualifications, as well as the date of the consultation and the content of the consultation in the protocol.
  • A narrativeshould be provided to address whether alternatives (i.e. replacements, reductions or refinements) were found in the database search. If alternatives were found but are not being implemented then scientific justification must be provided for not using any of the alternatives found. If replacement methods are not feasible without compromising scientific results then describe all the measures that have been implemented to reduce the number of animals used as well as to refine the methods used in order to minimize pain and discomfort to the animalsfor each procedure that potentially causes more than momentary or slight pain or distress.

Examples of Alternative Searches

Example of a Search for Alternatives for a Teaching Protocol:

Date of the search: October 17th, 2009

Dates covered by the search: 1966-2009

Data bases searched: PubMed, BioMednet, and altwebsearch.org

Keywords: Equine, horse, pony, calf, calves, cow, sheep, surgery, teaching, teaching models, surgical teaching models, caslick, castration, tracheotomy, laparotomy, abdomenocentesis, alternatives.

Narrative: The search did not generate any alternatives that the instructors felt would improve on the current methods or techniques used for this teaching exercise. Throughout the vet program, the students are initially exposed to surgery in a classroom setting to learn the basics of surgery including anatomy, aseptic technique and analgesia methods available. Eventually students use surgical models and cadavers to practice basic skills before they practice any technique on live animals. As the students expand and refine their surgical skills, we feel it is necessary to expose them to live tissue handling and anatomy in the living animal. The tactile feed back and practical experience in controlling hemostasis is something that can only be achieved through animal use. We therefore do not feel that we can REPLACE the animals used in this teaching exercise with a non-animal model at this advanced level of the students’ education. In organizing these teaching exercises, we have managed to REDUCE the number of animals used by assigning multiple students to an animal to gain maximum benefit from each animal. The number of students assigned per animal is the minimum number that we can use to allow each student to have the opportunity to practice handling live tissues. Several REFINEMENTS have been implemented. The instructors continue to educate themselves on current techniques of anesthesia, surgery and analgesia. The instructors will utilize and teach new techniques as they arise to improve both the surgical and anesthetic methods used in the teaching exercise. Modern anesthetic equipment and monitoring equipment will be used during general anesthesia.

Example of a Search for Alternatives for a Research Protocol:

Date of the search: October, 2009

Databases searched and dates covered by the search: Biosis (1993-2009), Medline (1995-2009), Agris (1991-2009), Altweb (1990-2009), AnimalWelfareInformationCenter (1990-2009);

Keywords: animal model, alternatives, neurological, neuralgia, surgery, rat, sciatic

Narrative: Based on the search results, REPLACEMENT of the proposed animal model with a non-animal system is not feasible. The search did not generate any additional techniques to further REDUCE the number of animals however the number of animals has been reduced to half the initial number we planned to use. The numbers were reduced by choosing to do a unilateral lesion rather than bilateral limb lesions. The unaffected limb will be use as a control instead of using a separate control group of animals. Performing a unilateral lesion is also a REFINEMENT that will result in less discomfort than bilateral lesions. Further refinements to prevent pain and discomfort will be implemented through the use of current aseptic surgical techniques performed by experienced surgeons recently trained to use a minimally invasive approach. Anesthesia will be administered and carefully monitored throughout the procedure. Pre-emptive and post operative analgesia using will be administered and the animals will be carefully monitored for signs of discomfort by trained personnel. Arrangements have been made to provide the animals with an easily accessible food source post operatively or if any animals become lame. Lame animals will also be treated with analgesics and the frequency of monitoring will be increased to several times a day.

Alternative Websites

AnimalWelfareInformationCenter:

Altweb:

CCAC Three Rs Microsite:

Further Assistance for Alternative Searches

For help with database searches, visit Susanne Whitaker at the Flower-Sprecher Veterinary Library

For help with the narrative section and the three Rs, contact the IACUC Administrator, or a CARE veterinarian

Record Keeping Assistance

Clinical record forms are on the CARE website: