Our animal husbandry
Across Europe, laboratory animal husbandry is regulated by the ETS123 convention and EU Directive 2010/63/EU. We generally exceed these minimum requirements. Our rats are kept for the various research models in an air-conditioned room in ventilated animal housing cabinets with a day-night rhythm and are checked daily by trained staff.
All rats are kept in groups in transparent cages (Makrolon type IV), which are equipped with nesting material, retreats (e.g. cardboard trays) and gnawing wood. If possible, several cages are equipped with running wheels and linked via connecting tubes so that larger groups can also be accommodated. Individual housing only takes place in exceptional cases if the experiment requires it.
Our animal facility is part of the Central Animal Laboratory (ZTL) of the MHH. For all animal studies, we are advised by an animal welfare officer on questions of animal welfare and animal health. The animal welfare officer also advises on the planning of the experiments and regularly checks compliance with the requirements described in the respective animal experiment application. In addition, the Animal Welfare Officer assists with Communications with the competent authorities and other external bodies.
All employees involved in animal experiments fulfill the legal requirements for carrying out approved research projects and receive regular training on animal experimentation topics. Contents include current (veterinary) medical developments, e.g. in the field of anaesthesia, as well as measures to optimize the 3R principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of Animal Experimentation).