by Jonathan David Ward (Biomedical Research Consultants Pte Ltd)

Laboratory animal research remains a very important part of basic research and drug development. With the worldwide increase in biotechnology, more and more researchers are required to use animals for research. However, many have basic or little training in experimental techniques or in the background information, which remains very important. This book rectifies the problem by providing animal researchers and technicians with the essentials for conducting their work in the laboratory, offering detailed protocols and information that can be referred to on a daily basis. Broadly covering a number of important topics, it draws attention to many of the techniques required to conduct animal research well and responsibly in order to obtain better experimental results.

• Species-Specific Information — Techniques for Handling, Sexing, Injection, and Blood Collection:
  • Animal Handling
  • Injections and Blood Collection
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Rabbits
  • Dogs
  • Nonhuman Primates
  • Miniature Swine
• General Issues Concerning Animal Research Work:
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animal Feed
  • Animal Identification
  • Diseases of Laboratory Animals
  • Caging Systems
  • Anesthesia and Analgesia
  • Basic Surgery — Preoperative and Postoperative Care
  • Pain Management
  • Euthanasia
  • Important Information
• Rules and Regulations for Carrying Out Animal Research Work:
  • Animal Research Ethics, Laws and Guidelines
  • Accreditation of Animal Research Facilities
  • The 3 R's — Replace, Reduce, Refine
  • Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
  • Project Licence Application Tips — How to Write an IACUC Application
• Troubleshooting Section:
  • Useful Resources
  • Useful Tables
  • Forms in Regular Use