Breeding, keeping and transportation of laboratory animals

1. Introduction

The research-based pharmaceutical companies obtain the vast majority of the animals they need for experiments from certified breeding facilities in the international marketplace, primarily Europe. The animals used in an experiment must possess specific features to suit the purpose of the research. To reduce the variance in the results, and thus also the number of animals, experiments are standardised. Standardisation comprises a combination of the conditions in which the animals are kept (exogenous factors) and properties of the animals themselves (endogenous factors such as age, sex, genotype, physical condition and physiology). A decision is also taken on whether a particular genetic mutation is required. Working with preferred partners ensures that animals of a certain quality are available and that there is compliance with specifics. Standardisation of animal health status is also key, since animals bred for experiments have to be free of germs and pathogens that could make other animals ill or impact the results of the experiment. All this requires breeding facilities and research-based pharmaceutical companies with experience and expertise.