University Animal Care Users' Handbook

APPENDIX 3.2.

Methods of Animal Identification

The development of the Biomedical Sciences and the increasing use of animals for experimentation necessitated establishing identification systems suitable for various species of animals. Identification of animals in research is a very important factor in any experimental procedure. Many methods now exist for the marking of animals used in research.

All animals may be identified by injectable transponder

In addition to the animal itself being identified, a cage card must also accompany each animal or, in the case of rodents, frogs, etc., each pan or cage of animals. University Animal Care uses computer-generated plastic-like cards. Each card must be completed in full. Where one or more animals are confined in a pan or pen the card shall have the number of animals and any distinctive physical features, marks, tattoos or tags attached to those animals.

APPENDIX 3.3.

MINIMUM SPACE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LABORATORY ANIMALS

The height of each cage shall be sufficient to allow the occupant to stand in a comfortable position. Each dog shall be provided a minimum square footage of floor space equal to the mathematical square of the sum of the length of the dog in inches, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, plus 6 inches, expressed in square feet (length of dog in inches +6) x (length of dog in inches +6) = required area in square inches/144 = required square feet of floor space. Not more than 12 adult unconditioned dogs shall be housed in the same primary enclosure.

a From resting floor to the cage top

b Space recommendations are comparable to the current regulations of the Animal Welfare Act.
Mothers with litters require more.

(c) These recommendations may require modification according to the body confirmation of individual animals and breeds. Some dogs, especially those toward the upper limit of each weight range, may require additional floor space or cage height to ensure compliance with the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act.
(d) The designed groups are based on approximate sizes of various non-human primate species used in biomedical research. Examples of species included in each groups are:

• Group 1 Marmosets, tamarinds, and infants of various species.
• Group 2 Capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and similar species.
• Group 3 Macaques and African species.
• Group 4 Male macaques and large African species.
• Group 5 Baboons and non-brachiating species larger than 15 kg.
• Group 6 Great apes and brachiating species.

(e) Sufficient head root must be provided for birds to stand erect.
(f) Space recommendation is not applicable to sows housed in gestation or farrowing stalls.

APPENDIX 3.4

CAGE TYPES AVAILABLE

AALAS has an Animal Technician Certification Program which serves two main purposes. It provides a mechanism for developing standards of competence for people who work in the field of laboratory animal science and it recognizes people who work in the field of laboratory animal science and it recognizes people who meet and exceed these standards by awarding them certification at three different levels: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technician, and Laboratory Animal Technologist. The Arizona Branch of AALAS welcomes researchers to participate in our local branch activities. The Branch has regularly scheduled meetings and sponsor's an annual fall symposia where research papers and other informative presentations are given. If you are interested in joining the Arizona Branch or wish to obtain more information about their activities, please call Grace at 621-1330.

Standard Operating Procedures for husbandry practices are available for investigators to review. Investigator may request copies of specific SOPs by calling the Assistant Director, Facility Services (626-2055). SOP's detail such things as cage changing frequency, types of bedding used for individual species, food variety, sanitation methods, etc. SOPs are written for adult animals maintaining a steady weight. Investigators may be required to write SOPs for their specific protocol. An investigator's SOP will always supersede UAC SOPs. All investigator generated SOPs must be given to the manager so they can be put in the department's format. SOPs state what is included in base care for per diem charges. The following information gives a summary of Standard Operating Procedures:

Mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs are fed pelleted feed ad libitum. The cage hopper has food in it at all times, but only contains enough food to last till the next day. This is to prevent feed wastage. Guinea pigs are given cabbage 3 times a week as an extra source of Vitamin C.

Rabbits receive 100 grams of food daily.

Snakes are fed night crawlers once a week and fresh water fish once a week. Xenopus are fed frog diet twice a week and liver one time a week. Depending on the species, Rana frogs are fed crickets two to three times weekly and infant rodents are fed to the larger species once a week. Turtles are fed fresh water fish twice a week.

Dogs are fed dry food once a day. The amount fed is based on the animal's weight. Mother dogs and puppies receive Science Diet Canine Growth, and P/D canned food in increasing amounts as pups grow. Dogs that have had surgery and are anorectic may receive P/D or baby food.

Cats are fed dry food ad lib. Pregnant cats are fed ½ can of C/D can food in addition to the dry food. Queens with litters receive three fourths of a can of C/D and one scoop of Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR). At four weeks, kittens are fed on sixth of a can of C/D to help in the weaning process.

Pigs receive pig food twice daily. The amount varies with the weight of the animal. Sheep and goats are fed pellets and hay daily.

Ferrets receive dry ferret chow ad lib.

Chickens are fed 1 bowl of lay crumble daily.

Primates are fed between 6 - 10 biscuits twice a day and one-half to one cup of fruits and vegetables twice a day.

Sani-Chips are used as a direct bedding for rats and mice and for cat litter boxes.
Aspen is used for Guinea Pigs, snakes and hamsters.
Screened baled shavings are used as direct bedding for dogs and pigs in runs.
Deotized cage boards are used as indirect bedding under hanging rat racks.
Rabbits do not have bedding in the excreta pans except during holidays when aspen is used as indirect bedding.
Deotized cage boards are used as indirect bedding under suspended rat cages and as direct bedding in breeding cat cages.

APPENDIX 3.7

Solid bottom cages once a week
Cage tops once every two weeks
Suspended once a week
Cage racks/shelves once every two weeks
Cage pans Daily except holidays
Large Animal Pens/Runs/Rooms once every week
Micro isolator tops once every two weeks
Feeders/bowls/crocks daily to weekly, depending on species
Water bottles changed one to three times a week

Rooms are swept and mopped daily with germicidal cleaner. Every month, animals are moved and the room is disinfected and fogged with Clidox, a chemical sterilant. Lights are dusted with a brush or vacuumed once a week or as needed. Corridors are swept and mopped daily. A floor machine is used on the floors four times a week.

Mops are rinsed daily and changed when they become dirty or once a month, whichever is sooner. Mop buckets are hosed out daily in the animal room and run through cage washer once a month. Each animal room has a dedicated mop, mop bucket, broom, etc. This is to keep down the spread of disease.

APPENDIX 3.8

Who to Contact for FAQ's

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