Date:

STUDY OF LABORATORY ANIMALS & THEIR HANDLING

AIM: To study the biological information, housing requirements, feeding,
handling and diseases of commonly used laboratory animals.
DISCUSSION:
Throughout history, scientists have been solving medical problems, developing
new techniques and treatments, and curing diseases all by using animals in
biomedical research. Because of biomedical research both humans and animals
now have life saving surgical procedures, cancer therapies, organ
transplantation, vaécines, safé consumer products, and treatments and cures for
countless other medical disorders and diseases. Virtually every major medical
advance for both humans and animals has been achieved through biomedical
research using animal models to study and find a cure for a disease and through
animal testing to prove the safety and efficacy of a new treatment. Animals are
used in research because the organs and body systems are similar to humans
and other animals, susceptible to the same diseases that affect humans, short life
span allows animals to be studied throughout their entire life, environment
easily controllable to keep experimental variables to a minimum.
LOCATION OF THE ANIMAL HOUSE: Animal house should ideally be in a
separate building located in a quiet atmosphere Undisturbed by traffic. The
premises of the animal house should be kept highly hygienic and protected
from rodents and vermin. The animal house should have large number of
small rooms with a view of controlling infection. för segregation of animals,
ideal maintenance of species and experimentation. It should have a quarantine
area so those new animals can be held for observation before mixing with the
stock. It should also have extra ;pace for office, surgery, stores, washing and
sterilizing, kitchen & incinerators.
The design of animal house should be such that it possesses built in efficiency
to meet the requirement. The correct relation of rooms es continuity of
functions and promotes efficiency. Internal traffic orientations will generate
positive attitude in attendants for his place of work. Some of the prime
requirements of the animal laboratory are fresh clean air, drinking water, food,
housing, ventilation etc.
HOUSING: Though some species of animals has special housing requirements,
depending on size etc, there should be general consideration that they should
live in comfort and psychologically acceptable habit.
For small animals like mice, rats, hamsters, different types of cages made of
plastic, galvanized Iron, aluminum etc are available.
Anodized aluminum is best suited because of lightweight and resistant to
corrosion by urine. Polypropylene & polycarbonate cages are generally
equally suitable. The size of the cage should be such that animals can move
about freely, and under any event, there should be no overcrowding. The cages
should have the easily removable closures tor föod and also have proper
arrangements to put clean water. Cages should be clean and frequently
sterilized. Bedding of either rice husks or paper cuttings is quite comtörtable
for them. The bedding should be clean to prevent infection or entry of insects
that sometilnes comes in the bedding.
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ANIMALS: '[he health and well
being of laboratory animals depends almost on the care entirely, hunutnity and
the watchtillness of the staff of the anijnal house. To keep the lab animals
healthy. a high degree of technical skill, a genuine liking animals & a full
understanding of their s 01 life are necessary.

FLUID: No animals should ever be deprived of plentiful supply of' liesh clean
drinking water. It is wrong to assume that wet masses of moistened dirts
supply enough fluid although it is true in case of guinea pigs & rabbits.
Animals kept short of water lose condition, eat less, emaciate and are prone to
cannibalize the young. Drinking water can be conveniently supplied to the
animals from a bottle attached to the outside of the cage. Suitable and
inexpensive butt;es, ginger beer bottles, wide mouthed pathological specimen
jars are particularly reconunended, as these can be easily cleaned. Small bottles
are liable to leakage. The bottles should be capable of holding 250-500 ml
water.
DIET: A balanced diet that contains carbohydrates fat, proteins, vitan)ins,
mineral salts and trace elements should be given regularly. Such a diet can be
obtained in the form of cubes or pellets and can be placed in hoppers so that
food is available at all times. Where caged hoppers are not available, pellets
may be placed in dishes inside the cage. But this method is time consuming
and many foodstuffs are wasted.
CLEANLINESS: Animals should be kept in clean conditions otherwise,
there is a considerable risk of epidemic disease. Once each week, dirty cages
should be washed in soap water & sterilized in hot air oven. The breeding
animals should not be changed frequently because they may lose the weight.
For washing, Lysol disinfectant can be usgcl. But it should not be used for the
rabbit cages because its smell distresses the animals.
LITTERS: A layer of adsorbent material should be spread to a depth of 1/2 -1
inch on the bottom of the cage. Fine softwood, sawdust, wood shavings,
sugarcane waste can be used as adsorbent. Pregnant animals must be supplied
with nesting materials.
CAGES: Each species of animals requires its own type of cage and the design
must ensure that there is enough room to give free movement space för resting
when the animal lies down fully stretched. The cages should be spacious for the
animal to take some exercise. This is especially important for monkeys. Every
cage should have, permanently attached to it, a socket or a holder for a small
card. On this is recorded the nanw of the experiment, identifying mark of the
animal, date, type of experiment and other relevant matter. The card must not
be removed before the conclu- of the experiment and must be placed in such a
position that it cannot be chewed or defecated by the animal. Breeding cages
should be labeled so that each animal can be identified especially if the
breeding program is being carried out.
VENTILATION: Ideally, the animal house should be air-conditioned. If not,
adequate ventilation from windows should be ensured but great care must be
taken not to expose the cages to draughts. Animals kept in badly ventilated
room are more liable to respiratory diseases.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY: Depending on the animal's body
temperature, the temperature of animal house must be kept close to this level. If
the stock is to remain healthy and able to breed, sudden fluctuation in
temperature must be avoided. The humidity of animals' house should be 45%
for rabbits and 65% for mice.
HANDLING OF ANIMALS: If the animals are handled frequently and
sympathetically, they soon become tame and easily managed. They bite only
when they are frightened and only in self-defense. Howling noises should be
avoicled when it is necessary to handle the animal. The cage should be placed
on the bench and the creature is alloxved to know what is happening, then the
cage door is opened gently. The hand is introduced slowly, deliberately and the
Animal is picked up with firm, unhurtieclmovejnents. The animal should be
given a cc»nplete sense of security by fully supponing its weight &elitninating
the risk of dropping it. The sudden, grabbing movements are avoided and the
animal is approached with a steady confidence. It is seldom necessary to
wear the leather gloves when handling animals. When new stock is
introduced into the colony & their confidence has not yet been won, it
may be necessary
PARAMETE RAT MOUSE RABBIT GUINEA PIG DOG
RS

Scientific Rattusnorvegi Musmuscul Oryctolaguscuni Caviaporcellus Caninfa

name cus us culus miliaris
Body 200-300 2000-3000 600-800 5000-
Weight (g) 8000
25-30

Life Span 2-3 1-2 4-5 2 UPTO 10

(yrs)

Water 35 6 200-300 250-350 500-700

consumptio
n (ml/d)

Food 20 5 100 30 500

consumptio
n (g/d)

Urine 10-15 1-3 200-300 100-150 600-700

excretion
(mVd)

Oestrous 4-5 4-5 SPONTANEOUS 15-19 180

cycle (d) OVULATOR

Gestation 21 19 32 67 62
period (d)

Breeding 60-80 42-56 90-120 365 90

age (Days)

Litter size 10-12 10-12 4-8 2-4 2-6

Body 37.5 37.4 38.3 38.3 37.7

temperature
(oc)

Respiratory 80-150 90-180 35-60 60-110 14-28

rate
(breaths/mi
n)

Heart rate 260-450 300-750 205-308 250-300 77-138

(beats/min)

Blood 130/90 120/75 - - 140/80

pressure
(mmHg)

Blood 50-65 70-80 45-70 65-90 75-100

volume
(ml/kg)

Room 24-27 24-27 24-27 24-27 24-27

temperature
( oc)

Relative 50-60 50-60 70 60-70 60-70

humidity %
MARKING THE ANIMALS: Staining the fur with a sponge dye can
temporarily mark White or lightly colored animals. Strong carbol-fushin can be
used tlvat should persist for 2 months or more. Rabbits can be marked by
tattooing their ears with a special instrument or with a needle dipped in Indian
ink. For rats and mice, ear punching is a simple method.
DETECTION OF SIGNS OF DISEASES IN ANIMALS: A routine
inspection should be done, ofeach cage, at least once a day. Attention must be
paid to the general condition of the animal. The amount of food and water
consumed and the nature of the faeces must be noted. The position and the
movement of the animal should be noted, and any animal that remains quite,
should be removed from the cages. The appearance of the fur is important when
the animal is generally in the poor condition or ill. The fur may be staring or
rubbed. Sometimes, there is no obvious clinical sign of illness. The only sign is
fever. Thus it is necessary to record the animals temperature at frequent
intervals.
ANIMALS TEMPERATURE: The blunt ended rectal thermometer is
preferred, as it not broken easily. It is introduced into the rectum or vagina to an
adequate depth. The depth must be the same on every occasion, & the mercury
bulb is completely inserted.
PREVENTION OF DISEASE: The new animals should be kept in a special
quarantine room and kept tor observation 10-14 days.
DISPOSAL OF ANIMALS: The best way of disposing the animal is to burn
them in the incinerator. But before this, it is essential to make sure that the
animal is dead, to avoid the possibility of accidentally burning a live animal.
Animal should not be kept in the incinerator unless one of the following
conditions is applied:

I. The body is cold, still and rigor mortis has set in

1. The animal has been decapitated
2. Complete necropsy has been performed
3. The heart has been removed.
MOUSE (Musmusculus):

HOUSING: Made out of aluminum or polypropylene, 6 x 12 x 6 inches the

lids are made out of sheet metal or of a strong wire mesh designed to contain
feed hopper and accommodation to hold drinking water bottles. Mice are best
housed in cwyes with solid floors and walls that are either solid or wire mesh.
Plastic cages made of materials such as polycarbonate that allow easy
visualization and that are resistant to chewing are recommended. Secure cages
lids are necessary to prevent mice from escaping; lids are usually made of
wire mesh and often contain slots for placement of a water bottle and pelleted
feed. Bedding should be used in the cages to absorb urine and to allow the
animals to modify their environment through burrowing and nest building.
Bedding should be changed several times a week and cages should be cleaned
at least weekly with detergents anu water, and then rinsed well.
FEED: Cracked wheat - 70%, Shark liver oil; 0.25%, Yeast powder - 4%,
Sesame oil 7.25%, Cracked Bengal gram - 20%, Fish meal - 5%. Add 4 units
of milk for every 100 units Of mixtures. An average mouse consumes 6g of
föod every day. Commercial mouse feed provides a balanced diet that is
specifically formulated for the nutritional needs of mice. It usually is
manufactured in a pelleted form and is provided free choice (ad libitum).
Pelleted feed can be presented in an elevated hopper or in a dish on the cage
floor. Mice have incisor teeth that grow throughout life, and pelleted feed
helps eliminate overgrowth. Water is best provided in a water bottle "6th a
sipper tube.
HANDLING : A mouse may be picked up by grasping its tail near (he base
with one's thumb and forefinger and placing it into a cupped hand.
COMMON DISEASES: Salmonellosis like mouse typhoid, ecteromelia
(small pox), streptobacillus Infection and miscellaneous infections like
pneumonia of mouse, Nigg's pneumonitis virus and lymphocytic
carcinomengitis virus, worm infections etc.
USES: Acute toxicity studies, Bioassay of Insulin, evaluation of analgesics,
screening of chemotherapeutic agents, Teratogenicity, cancer research,
Isolated preparations - Vas deferens, ileum.
RAT (Rattusnorvegicus):

HOUSING: A galvanized iron cage of 14 x 9 x 8 inches, fitting in a tray 1

1/2 inches deep is used. 1 sq. ft. of space should be allowed for each animal.
Rats are best housed in cages with solid floors and walls. Plastic cages made
of materials such as polycarbonate that allow easy visualization and prevent
damage by chewing are recommended, Secure cage lids are necessary to
prevent rats from escaping; lids are usually made of wire mesh and often
contain slots for placement of a water bottle and pelleted feed holders.
Bedding should be used within cages to absorb urine and to allow the animal
a means to modify its environment. Materials that can be used as bedding are
wood shavings or chips, cellulose chips, and corncob pellets. Bedding should
be changed several times a week. Cages, water bottles, and feed containers
should be cleaned at least weekly with detergents and water. and then rinsed
well and dried.

FEED: Cracked wheat - 66%, Ground nut oil - 17%, Cracked Bengal gram -
15%, Yeast powder - 1%, Fish meal - 7%, Shark liver oil - 1%. Add I unit of
whole milk for every 100 units of mixtures.
Each rat consumes about 15 g/day. Breeding rats are given germinated puJses
containing Bengal gram - I part, LentelMasar - 1 part, Green gram - I part.
Itusually is manufactured in pelleted form and is prpvided free choice (ad
libitum) in an elevated hopper or in a dish on the cage floor. Water is best
provided in a water bottle with a sipper tube.
HANDLING: Gripping the loose skin at the base of the neck is used to pick
up the animal. It is thought that male rats are more likely to bite than females.
As with most ailinaais, rats respond well to being approached in a manner that
does not cause startling and anxiety, A rat well conditioned to gentle handling
will rarely bite. The best method for picking up rats is to gently but firmly
grasp the rat around the chest with the thumb and forefinger of one hand,
being careful to not compress the chest wall. The forefinger should be behind
the elbows of the rat to help ensure that the rat is not accidentally choked.
COMMON DISEASES: Bronchopneumonia & more rarely, suppurative otitis
due to bordellabronchiseptica, Streptofacilley, monitiformis, Streptococci,
Salmonellosis, severeform of enteritis is caused by salmonella enteritis &
parasitic infection called menge can occur.
USES: Evaluation of Psychotropic drugs, Analgesics, and
Anticonvulsants Toxicity studies - Teratogenicity, carcinogenicity
etc.
Gastric secretion studies (Anti-ulcer activity)
Liver and physiological studies
Isolat$4 preparation - Uterus preparation, fimdus strip preparation, colon
preparation, anacoceygeal muscle preparation etc.

GUINEA PIG (Caviaporcellus):

HOUSING: For stock run, it should be about 4 x 6 feet & I ft. 8 inches high.
1 sq. foot space should be allowed for each animal and not more than 25
animals should be kept in one pan. For experimental animals, galvanized iron
cages of 14 x 9 x 8 inches, fittings trays of 1 1/2 inches deep are used.
Guinea pigs should not be housed on wire grid floors because they are prone
to developing sores on the feet. Because guinea pigs play with their water
and urinate copiously, the use of bedding is highly recommendéd. Bedding
material may include hardwood chips, wood shavings, paper products or
cleaned hay. Depending upon the size of the cage and the type of bedding,
the cage should be cleaned once or twice a week. It should never be allowed
to remain moist, because they can lead to foot inflammation and infections.
 Cages should be washed with detergent and water. They should be
thoroughly rinsed and dried before replacing bedding.
FEED: In pellet form, containing crushed oats and Croat, supplemented with
cabbage and proteins such as fish or meat meal. Guinea pigs have a tendency
{o overeat, which causes obesity and urinary tract problems. A veterinarian
can advise you on the proper amount to provide daily. Grass hay pellets (not
straw or alfalfa) should be available to the animal (1/4 cup of pellets per 5 lbs
of animal weight). Sunflower seeds should only be used as occasional treats;
they are too high in fats änd have little nutritiöhal value. Fruits and vegetables
may be provided as a source of vitamin C and as treats. Guinea pigs drink a
large quantity of water and also tend to play with their water bottles.
Consequently, water should be provided in large-sized bottles with sipper
tubes and the bottles should be securely attached to the side of the cage. Water
bottles and sipper• tubes should be cleaned thoroughly whenever the water is
changed (at least once a week).
HANDLING: Place 1 hand across the back of the animal with the thumb
behind the shoulder & other finger well forwarded on the opposite side. Lift
the animal gently & support with other hand placed upper most under the
hindquarters. Guinea pigs are gentle animals and seldom bite. They tend to run
when frightened. They can be picked up by a gentle grasp around the chest
while supporting the rear legs with the other hand.
COMMON DISEASES: Pseudo tuberculosis, abscesses in the lymphatic
gland due to the pneumolytic streptococci of group Ill. Respiratory tract
infections like pneumonia, septicemia & pleurisy. Intestinal infections by
salmonella typhimurium. Protozoal diseases like coccidiosis, viral diseases
like guinea-pig paralysis.
USES: Evaluation of bronchodilators, sensitization studies (Antigens like egg
albumin, horse serums), study of anesthetics, bio assays of digitalis and d —
tubocurarine, screening of spasmodics& antispasmodics, studies of vitamin C
metabolism (since it requires exogenous vitamin), study of anti T.B. drugs &
INH toxicity studies.
Isolated Preparation- Ileum, tracheal éhain preparation, bio-assay of histamine
& acetylcholine.

RABBIT (Oryctolaguscuniculus):