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Research

Animal Welfare

 

 

Our focus is on developing innovative concepts and methods to promote animal welfare in medical and veterinary research. Veterinary insights are mapped onto legal provisions to assess animal welfare in accordance with current laws and contextualized within societal and political frameworks. We view animal welfare as a societal concern and consider animal welfare legislation a crucial instrument for advocating for animal interests. Scientific findings from our department on animal husbandry aim to continuously enhance the welfare of animals kept under human care. Based on these insights, we aim to stimulate legislative processes and raise awareness among all stakeholders in (veterinary) research regarding animal welfare.

To achieve these goals, our department conducts research, including studies on the effects of environmental influences on the behavioral development of animals kept in captivity. In particular, we investigate the species-specific requirements that animals have for their environment and how limitations on these requirements impact their behavioral development and adaptability.

The key components of our research include:


Developing scientifically sound foundations for assessing animal welfare issues

Significant progress has been made in recent decades in terms of the development of scientifically based foundations for assessing animal welfare issues. In the advancement of assessment criteria, biological, behavioral, and psychological aspects are considered. Behavioral research plays a central role by providing insights into the specific needs and well-being of animals. Through observation studies, researchers can investigate which environmental conditions and handling practices promote or hinder the welfare of animals. Modern diagnostic methods allow for early detection of changes in animals and targeted treatment.

The integration of various disciplines leads to an evidence-based and holistic assessment of animal welfare issues, supporting the development of effective animal welfare measures.

Development of animal-friendly housing and management practices

At the core of developing animal-friendly housing and management practices is the well-being of animals, based on scientific insights and ethical considerations. Ethology plays a crucial role here as it provides insights into the natural needs and behaviors of animals. Findings from behavioral research contribute, among other things, to the design of species-appropriate accommodations and feeding systems.

Prevention and therapy of behavioral and animal welfare problems

The prevention of and therapy for behavioral and animal welfare problems aim to promote animal well-being and minimize suffering. Preventive and therapeutic approaches are closely intertwined and based on scientific insights to ensure the welfare of animals and effectively address behavioral and animal welfare issues. Preventive measures include creating species-appropriate housing conditions that meet the specific needs of animals. Behavior problems caused by housing conditions can be mitigated through early detection and intervention. Therapy for behavioral problems typically involves a combination of environmental adjustments, behavior training, and medical treatment.

Laboratory Animal Science

 

 

Since the publication of their book “The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” in 1959, Russell and Burch have significantly influenced the work of laboratory animal scientists, researchers, representatives of authorities, animal welfare officers, veterinarians, and animal caretakers. Their 3R principle serves as a guiding framework for all individuals working with animals in research, prompting continuous self-reflection and ongoing improvement and adaptation of procedures. This approach ensures that research based on the 3R principle consistently meets the highest scientific standards and facilitates a reduction in the number of animals used, while ensuring responsible and animal-welfare-oriented handling of all animals involved in experiments.

The 3R principle aims to avoid the use of animals in experiments (replace). If unavoidable, it seeks to minimize the number of animals used (reduce) and decrease the potential impact on animals in experiments (refine). To maximize humane treatment for each animal in research, measures to enhance well-being, concepts to prevent pain and suffering, and considerations for housing are always implemented.

This principle forms the cornerstone of the professorship’s research activities. Through research contributions, the aim is to sustainably integrate and solidify the 3R concept across all biomedical research areas. Animal welfare, which represents a central responsibility for all veterinarians, is adapted to societal needs, and in the realm of research, refinement methods are developed and implemented.


Education

The contact with animals in veterinary and scientific education and training is of paramount importance for educating future generations who will work independently and practically. The responsibilities and duties arising from this use of animals result in the development of new innovative teaching concepts in the department, which, with the help of diverse didactic methods, meet the requirements for a humane and sustainable education of future veterinarians and scientists.

  • The Skills Lab “PETS: Practical Experience of Technical Skills” is already firmly established in the curriculum of veterinary medicine.

Efforts to implement the Skills Lab in experimental animal training will also continue in the future to further reduce animal numbers and enable refinement in handling.

  • Virtual training helps to optimally prepare students for working with live animals. The goal is to continually enhance virtual training and adapt it to the requirements of working with live animals.
  • Medical training facilitates cooperation with animal patients without coercion through the use of positive reinforcement. The department is committed to enhancing training in this area for veterinary students and is also researching ways to improve teaching through the application of medical training.

Refinement Research

The assessment of burden plays a central role in animal experimentation to provide the highest possible protection for animals within the framework of animal experimental research. This assessment is legally mandated in the EU Directive 2010/63 and represents a continuous process from experimental planning to reporting on experimental animals.

At the department, tools for burden assessment are being developed to enable assessment under experimental conditions at the highest level.

Furthermore, refinement measures in housing are identified to enhance well-being. The insights gained are directly integrated into teaching and further education.

Identification of parametric and metric indicators for burden assessment in various animal models.

Current work on the subject is being carried out in cooperation with the University of Potsdam.

Metabolic cages (MC) are a fundamental tool in animal experimental research for studying metabolic processes in mice and rats. They allow for continuous, cleanly separated collection of feces and urine over extended periods.

These cages feature a grid floor design that enables separate collection of excretions. Simultaneously, individual food and water consumption can be measured. During the study period, each animal must be isolated from other members of its species in the metabolic cages. This isolation represents significant stress for mice and rats, which are highly social animals. In addition to aspects of social deprivation, the cages have design features that can also lead to metabolic impairments in the animals. The goal of the joint project is to reassess the potential burdens on the animals using metrical and parametrical criteria and to modify the housing systems accordingly, thereby significantly reducing the expected burdens.