The environment
in which the animals are kept is also subject to strict
guidelines, which are specific to each species and cover
all aspects of the conditions in which the animals live.
The more constant the animals’ environment, the
more statistically valid any results will be. This not
only contributes to good scientific method but also
helps to minimise the number of animals required to
produce a valid result.
Some of the conditions that must be
strictly controlled are;
Temperature
Different species have different thermoregulatory
requirements and the appropriate temperature should
be maintained within a 4 degrees centigrade bandwidth
and continuously monitored by instruments, which are
checked at least once daily.
Relative Humidity
Changes in relative humidity can affect
animals, especially their rate of heat loss and so can
influence their food intake and activity and so must
be controlled so that it is appropriate for each species.
Ventilation
Carefully controlled ventilation is
needed to help control temperature and relative humidity
and to provide sufficient air of the right quality.
Lighting
The eyes of most laboratory animals
are adapted to dim light conditions and so the intensity
of the light must be controlled. Primates and perhaps
cats have colour vision and so the wavelength of the
light must also be taken into consideration.
The light to dark cycles are also important
for regulating circadian rhythms and stimulating breeding
cycles.
Noise
Different species of animals have the
ability to hear sounds of different pitch or frequency
so sounds that may not cause humans discomfort may prove
painful for some animals. Loud, unexpected sounds are
especially alarming for animals.
Windows
Windows in animal houses may be good
for the well being of the staff but they can cause problems
with temperature and lighting control and so are not
usually built into the animal houses.
More information:
More detailed information on the Codes
of Practice for the housing and care of research animals
can be found at the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/animact/hcasp2.htm
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/animact/hcadb6.htm
The care and housing of each
species is governed by a separate Code of Practice.
These are lengthy and detailed documents and can be
accessed by following the appropriate links.
