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Regulatory issues regarding the use of food and water restriction in laboratory animals

Lab Animal volume 38, pages 325–328 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

While investigating certain aspects of animal physiology, neurology or behavior, research scientists sometimes must limit the amount of food or water provided to animals used in a study. Such limitations can negatively impact the health and welfare of laboratory animals by, for example, causing them to experience distress or pain. The author discusses the veterinary and regulatory concerns that laboratory personnel should consider when limiting food or water given to research animals. He concludes that by adequately addressing the needs of animals receiving less food or water than required by regulation, researchers will improve both animal care and scientific study results.

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References

  1. United States Department of Agriculture. Animal Care Policy Manual. Policy #11. (USDA, Beltsville, MD, 1997).

  2. Animal Welfare Act Regulations. 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A.

  3. Animal Welfare Act, United States Code, Title 7, Chapter 54, Sec. 2131–2159.

  4. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 1996).

  5. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates 2nd revised edn. (National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2003).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Care, Raleigh, NC

    Robert A. Willems

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  1. Robert A. Willems
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Correspondence to Robert A. Willems.

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Willems, R. Regulatory issues regarding the use of food and water restriction in laboratory animals. Lab Anim 38, 325–328 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1009-325

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1009-325

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