Animal Research Flashcards
What are the three practical issues of animal research?
Gestation
Brain anatomy
Environment
Why is Gestation a strength of using animals for research?
Gestation time is shorter in animals than humans and they produce more offspring.
Mice- approximately 20 days, Dogs- 58-68 days
Why is the Brain anatomy of animals a strength and weakness of using animals in research?
Strength- Similarities between brain anatomy of humans and animals means humans do not need to be used in research. Therefore, reducing the ethical issues.
Weakness- Cannot extrapolate findings because structures may be different sizes or provide different functions for animals than in humans.
Why is the environment a strength of using animals in research?
Animals are unlikely to be impacted by extraneous and confounding variables such as upbringing that could impact results.
What are the Ethical guidelines of animal research?
Legal Requirements- prevents the use of endangered and protected species
Animals should only be used where alternatives have been considered and rejected (use of simulations)
The choice of species should be appropriate for the research
Number of animals used should be the smallest sample possible
Procedure should be conducted under a registered premises with a project and personal license
Animal care should be provided when the study is not in progress
Disposing of Animals- following the completion of studies the animals should be used in breeding, as companion animals or in further research.
What is the Animal Scientific Procedure Act?
Animals used in research should be provided with accommodation with an environment that allows the freedom of movement, food, water and any appropriate health care.
The maintenance of captive animals should incorporate aspects of living conditions that are natural to maintain welfare and survival.
