ATW August 2023 : simplebooklet.com

81SPECIAL INTEREST SECTIONDepth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂ uenced sows(sus domesticus, L.) reproductive performanceRudy C FloresABSTRACT TRANSLATIONSTECH-2-TECHElimination of Mycobacterium marinum within Guppy coloniesNicola Goodwin, Joseph Higgins and Mollie MillingtonA new route to IAT FellowshipIAT Board of EducationPOSTERSReassessment of competenciesDiane Hazlehurst and James BussellRat playpens
Bethany ToughMoving away from soiled bedding sentinels Karla EsparzaCulture of Care through trainingDave BlackVol 22 No 2 August 2023EditorialDiane Hazlehurst, Chair of the Editorial BoardReport of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW RodentWelfare Group MeetingChloe Stevens, Tayla Hammonds, JustynaHinchcliffe, Joanne Mains, Claire Robinson,Jasmine Clarkson, Matthew Reach, AmandaBulmer and Claire PearceGuiding principles for Establishment LicenceHolders/Named Persons responsible forcompliance, Named Training and Competency Ofﬁ cers, Named Information Ofﬁ cers andHome Ofﬁ ce Liaison Contacts working under the Animals (Scientiﬁ c Procedures) Act 1986EditorialJas Barley, Chair of the Editorial BoardReport of the 2019 RSPCA/UFAW RodentWelfare Group meetingChloe Stevens, Emily Finnegan, Jasmine Clarkson,Charlotte Burns, Sonia Bains, Colin Gilbert,Caroline Chadwick, Samantha Izzard, Charlotte Inman,Penny Hawkins (Secretary) and Huw GolledgeReduction of the negative effects ofmethionine on bone parameters in broilers’embryos by intra-egg injection of Vitamin B12Mohammad Naser Nazem, Shima Tasharofi,Negin Amiri and Sepideh SabzekarThe care of the Childr en’s Python(Antaresia children)Alexander Hosking and Gary MartinicFeline-assisted therapy: a promising part of animal assisted therapy (AAT)Eliska Mičková and Krityna MachovaThe care of Central and Pygmy Bearded DragonsAlexander Hosking and Gary MartinicPAPER SUMMARY TRANSLATIONSFrench, German, Italian, SpanishLOOKING BACKPhysical hazards in the laboratory animal houseR.T. CharlesThe incidence of a pathogenic strain of pseudomonas in a rabbit colonyG.R. Alpen and K. MaerzTECH-2-TECHDevelopment of a sifting cage change method for rats to improve welfareSeonagh HendersonVol 1 9 No 2 A ugust 2020CONTENTSiAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 4/8/20 10:48 Page i1011411581511459187128156164119

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vOFFICERSPresidentDr Robin Lovell-Badge CBE FRSImmediate Past PresidentProfessor Sir Richard Gardner MA PhD FRSBFIAT (Hon) FRSVice-PresidentsSenga Allan MIAT RAnTech, David Anderson MRCVS,Stephen Barnett BA MSc FIAT (Hon) CBiol FRSBRAnTech, Miles Carroll PhD, Paul Flecknell MA Vet MBPhD DLAS DipLECVA MRCVS FIAT (Hon), PennyHawkins PhD BSc, Wendy Jarrett MA, Judy MacArthur-Clark CBE BVMS DLAS FRSB DVMS (h.c.) DipECLAMFRAgS DipACLAM MRCVS, Fiona McEwen BSc BVM&SMSc MRCVS, Tim Morris BVetMed PhD DipACLAMDipECLAM CBiol FRSB CertLAS MRCVS, Clive PageOBE PhD BSc, Jan-Bas Prins PhD MSc, Vicky RobinsonCBE BSc PhD, Paul Sanders MIAT RAnTech, DavidSpillane FIAT, Gail Thompson RLATG, RobertWeichbrod PhD RLATGLife MembersKen Applebee OBE FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech,Charlie Chambers MIAT RAnTech, Roger Francis MScFIAT RAnTech, Pete Gerson MSc FIAT RAnTech,Cathy Godfrey FIAT RAnTech, John Gregor y BSc (Hons)FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Patrick Hayes FIAT DipBARAnTech, Robert Kemp FIAT (Hon) RAnTech,Phil Ruddock MIAT RAnTech, Ted Wills FIAT (Hon)RAnTechHonorary MembersMark Gardiner MIAT RAnTech, Sarah Lane MSc FIAT,Sue McHugh BSc FIAT, Norman Mortell BA (Hons)MIAT RAnTech, Wendy Steel BSc (Hons) FIATMembers of CouncilMatthew Bilton, Kally Booth, Steven Cubitt,Simon Cumming, Haley Daniels, Glyn Fisher,Nicky Gent, Alan Graham, Linda Horan, Sam Jameson,Elaine Kirkum, Adele Kitching, Theresa Langford,Sylvie Mehigan, Steve Owen, Alan Palmer, AllanThornhill, John Waters, Lynda Westall, Carole Wilson,Adrian WoodhouseCouncil OfficersChair: Linda Horan BSc (Hons) MIAT RAnTechVice Chair: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechHonorary Secretary:Simon Cumming BSc FIAT RAnTechHonorary Treasurer: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechChair of Board of Educational Policy:Steven Cubitt MSc FIAT RAnTechChair Registration & Accreditation Board:Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechATW Editor: Jas Barley MSc FIAT RAnTechBulletin Editor: Carole Wilson BSc MIATATW/Bulletin Editorial Board:IAT REPRESENTATIVESAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 4/2/21 13:19 Page vvOFFICERSPresidentDr Robin Lovell-Badge CBE FRSImmediate Past PresidentProfessor Sir Richar d Gardner MA PhD FRSBFIAT (Hon) FRSVice-PresidentsSenga Allan MIAT RAnTech, David Anderson MRCVS,Stephen Barnett BA MSc FIAT (Hon) CBiol FRSBRAnTech, Miles Carroll PhD, Paul Flecknell MA Vet MBPhD DLAS DipLECVA MRCVS FIAT (Hon), PennyHawkins PhD BSc, Wendy Jarrett MA, Judy MacArthur-Clark CBE BVMS DLAS FRSB DVMS (h.c.) DipECLAMFRAgS DipACLAM MRCVS, Fiona McEwen BSc BVM&SMSc MRCVS, Tim Morris BVetMed PhD DipACLAMDipECLAM CBiol FRSB CertLAS MRCVS, Clive PageOBE PhD BSc, Jan-Bas Prins PhD MSc, Vicky RobinsonCBE BSc PhD, Paul Sanders MIAT RAnTech, DavidSpillane FIAT, Gail Thompson RLATG, RobertWeichbrod PhD RLATGLife MembersKen Applebee OBE FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech,Charlie Chambers MIAT RAnTech, Roger Francis MScFIAT RAnTech, Pete Gerson MSc FIAT RAnTech,Cathy Godfrey FIAT RAnTech, John Gregor y BSc (Hons)FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Patrick Hayes FIAT DipBARAnTech, Robert Kemp FIAT (Hon) RAnTech,Phil Ruddock MIAT RAnTech, Ted Wills FIAT (Hon)RAnTechHonorary MembersMark Gardiner MIAT RAnTech, Sarah Lane MSc FIAT,Sue McHugh BSc FIAT, Norman Mortell BA (Hons)MIAT RAnTech, Wendy Steel BSc (Hons) FIATMembers of CouncilMatthew Bilton, Kally Booth, Steven Cubitt,Simon Cumming, Haley Daniels, Glyn Fisher,Nicky Gent, Alan Graham, Linda Horan, Sam Jameson,Elaine Kirkum, Adele Kitching, Theresa Langford,Sylvie Mehigan, Steve Owen, Alan Palmer, AllanThornhill, John Waters, Lynda Westall, Carole Wilson,Adrian WoodhouseCouncil OfficersChair: Linda Horan BSc (Hons) MIAT RAnTechVice Chair: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechHonorary Secretary:Simon Cumming BSc FIAT RAnTechHonorary Treasurer: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechChair of Board of Educational Policy:Steven Cubitt MSc FIAT RAnTechChair Registration & Accreditation Board:Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechATW Editor: Jas Barley MSc FIAT RAnTechBulletin Editor: Carole Wilson BSc MIATATW/Bulletin Editorial Board:IAT REPRESENTATIVESAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 4/2/21 13:19 Page vwww.lbs-biotech.comTel: +44 (0)1293 827940 Email: sales@lbs-biotech.comContact the experts:A Clear Path to Wellness withInnovative Gelled DietsA range of highly palatable, nutritionally complete food and water gelled diets specially formulated to give optimum health to your animals. Supplied exclusively in the UK by LBS.These special dietary products ensure animals’ survival, encourage reliable research outcomes and are easily fed to animals by placing the cup at cage level. They allow your animal to remain healthy and hydrated even through impaired conditions. Available in 1oz (40/case) or 2oz (60/case).• Nutra-GelTM - a tried and true bacon avoured gelled diet, based on the AIN-93G formulation. It serves as a complete food and water source for rodents.• Pure-Water GelTM - a clear gelled water source that can be used as a complete water replacement or supplement for mobility impaired research animals.• Electro-GelTM - an oral electrolyte hydration gel available in orange or strawberry avours, packed with vitamins and minerals to promote recovery.

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83vOFFICERSPresidentDr Robin Lovell-Badge CBE FRSImmediate Past PresidentProfessor Sir Richar d Gardner MA PhD FRSBFIAT (Hon) FRSVice-PresidentsSenga Allan MIAT RAnTech, David Anderson MRCVS,Stephen Barnett BA MSc FIAT (Hon) CBiol FRSBRAnTech, Miles Carroll PhD, Paul Flecknell MA Vet MBPhD DLAS DipLECVA MRCVS FIAT (Hon), PennyHawkins PhD BSc, Wendy Jarrett MA, Judy MacArthur-Clark CBE BVMS DLAS FRSB DVMS (h.c.) DipECLAMFRAgS DipACLAM MRCVS, Fiona McEwen BSc BVM&SMSc MRCVS, Tim Morris BVetMed PhD DipACLAMDipECLAM CBiol FRSB CertLAS MRCVS, Clive PageOBE PhD BSc, Jan-Bas Prins PhD MSc, Vicky RobinsonCBE BSc PhD, Paul Sanders MIAT RAnTech, DavidSpillane FIAT, Gail Thompson RLATG, RobertWeichbrod PhD RLATGLife MembersKen Applebee OBE FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech,Charlie Chambers MIAT RAnTech, Roger Francis MScFIAT RAnTech, Pete Gerson MSc FIAT RAnTech,Cathy Godfrey FIAT RAnTech, John Gregor y BSc (Hons)FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Patrick Hayes FIAT DipBARAnTech, Robert Kemp FIAT (Hon) RAnTech,Phil Ruddock MIAT RAnTech, Ted Wills FIAT (Hon)RAnTechHonorary MembersMark Gardiner MIAT RAnTech, Sarah Lane MSc FIAT,Sue McHugh BSc FIAT, Norman Mortell BA (Hons)MIAT RAnTech, Wendy Steel BSc (Hons) FIATMembers of CouncilMatthew Bilton, Kally Booth, Steven Cubitt,Simon Cumming, Haley Daniels, Glyn Fisher,Nicky Gent, Alan Graham, Linda Horan, Sam Jameson,Elaine Kirkum, Adele Kitching, Theresa Langford,Sylvie Mehigan, Steve Owen, Alan Palmer, AllanThornhill, John Waters, Lynda Westall, Carole Wilson,Adrian WoodhouseCouncil OfficersChair: Linda Horan BSc (Hons) MIAT RAnTechVice Chair: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechHonorary Secretary:Simon Cumming BSc FIAT RAnTechHonorary Treasurer: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechChair of Board of Educational Policy:Steven Cubitt MSc FIAT RAnTechChair Registration & Accreditation Board:Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechATW Editor: Jas Barley MSc FIAT RAnTechBulletin Editor: Carole Wilson BSc MIATATW/Bulletin Editorial Board:IAT REPRESENTATIVESAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 4/2/21 13:19 Page vvOFFICERSPresidentDr Robin Lovell-Badge CBE FRSImmediate Past PresidentProfessor Sir Richar d Gardner MA PhD FRSBFIAT (Hon) FRSVice-PresidentsSenga Allan MIAT RAnTech, David Anderson MRCVS,Stephen Barnett BA MSc FIAT (Hon) CBiol FRSBRAnTech, Miles Carroll PhD, Paul Flecknell MA Vet MBPhD DLAS DipLECVA MRCVS FIAT (Hon), PennyHawkins PhD BSc, Wendy Jarrett MA, Judy MacArthur-Clark CBE BVMS DLAS FRSB DVMS (h.c.) DipECLAMFRAgS DipACLAM MRCVS, Fiona McEwen BSc BVM&SMSc MRCVS, Tim Morris BVetMed PhD DipACLAMDipECLAM CBiol FRSB CertLAS MRCVS, Clive PageOBE PhD BSc, Jan-Bas Prins PhD MSc, Vicky RobinsonCBE BSc PhD, Paul Sanders MIAT RAnTech, DavidSpillane FIAT, Gail Thompson RLATG, RobertWeichbrod PhD RLATGLife MembersKen Applebee OBE FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech,Charlie Chambers MIAT RAnTech, Roger Francis MScFIAT RAnTech, Pete Gerson MSc FIAT RAnTech,Cathy Godfrey FIAT RAnTech, John Gregor y BSc (Hons)FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Patrick Hayes FIAT DipBARAnTech, Robert Kemp FIAT (Hon) RAnTech,Phil Ruddock MIAT RAnTech, Ted Wills FIAT (Hon)RAnTechHonorary MembersMark Gardiner MIAT RAnTech, Sarah Lane MSc FIAT,Sue McHugh BSc FIAT, Norman Mortell BA (Hons)MIAT RAnTech, Wendy Steel BSc (Hons) FIATMembers of CouncilMatthew Bilton, Kally Booth, Steven Cubitt,Simon Cumming, Haley Daniels, Glyn Fisher,Nicky Gent, Alan Graham, Linda Horan, Sam Jameson,Elaine Kirkum, Adele Kitching, Theresa Langford,Sylvie Mehigan, Steve Owen, Alan Palmer, AllanThornhill, John Waters, Lynda Westall, Carole Wilson,Adrian WoodhouseCouncil OfficersChair: Linda Horan BSc (Hons) MIAT RAnTechVice Chair: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechHonorary Secretary:Simon Cumming BSc FIAT RAnTechHonorary Treasurer: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechChair of Board of Educational Policy:Steven Cubitt MSc FIAT RAnTechChair Registration & Accreditation Board:Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechATW Editor: Jas Barley MSc FIAT RAnTechBulletin Editor: Carole Wilson BSc MIATATW/Bulletin Editorial Board:IAT REPRESENTATIVESAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 4/2/21 13:19 Page vCouncil OfﬁcersChair: Linda Horan BSc (Hons) MIAT RAnTechVice Chair: Glyn Fisher FIAT RAnTechHonorary Secretary: Simon Cumming BSc FIAT RAnTechHonorary Treasurer: Sam Jameson MIAT RAnTechChair of Board of Educational Policy: Robin Labesse MIAT RAnTechChair Registration & Accreditation Board: Ken Applebee OBE FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech ATW Editor: Jas Barley MSc FIAT RAnTechBulletin Editor: Carole Wilson BSc MIATATW/Bulletin Editorial Board: Diane Hazlehurst (Chair), Jas Barley, Patrick Hayes, Elaine Kirkum, Carole Wilson, Lynda WestallBranch Liaison Ofﬁcer: Lynda Westall FIAT RAnTechEFAT Representatives:Glyn Fisher, Robin Labesse, Toby SandersWebsite Coordinator: Allan Thornhill FIAT RAnTechWebsite Support: Sam JamesonAnimal Welfare Group:Carmen Abela (Chair), Kally Booth, Diane Hazlehurst, Sam Jameson, Sylvie Mehigan, Ian Purvis (co-opted)Board of Educational Policy:Robin Labesse (Chair), Adele Kitching (Secretary), Steven Cubitt, Diane Hazlehurst, Theresa Langford, Tina O’Mahony Communications Group:Adrian Woodhouse (Chair) Carmen Abela, Kally Booth, Hannah Easter, Sam Jameson, Wendy Jarrett, Elaine Kirkum, Theresa Langford, Sylvie Mehigan, Toby Sanders, Allan Thornhill, Lynda WestallVice-PresidentsSenga Allan MIAT RAnTech, David Anderson MRCVS, Stephen Barnett BA MSc FIAT (Hon) CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Miles Carroll PhD, Penny Hawkins PhD BSc, Wendy Jarret MA, Judy MacArthur-Clark CBE BVMS DLAS FRSB DVMS (h.c.) DipACLAM DipELAM CBiol FRSB CertLAS MRCVS, Clive Page OBE PhD BSc, Jan-Bas Prins PhD MSc, Vicky Robinson CBE BSc PhD, Paul Sanders MIAT RAnTech, David Spillane FIAT, Gail Thompson RLATG, Robert Weichbrod PhD RLATGLife MembersKen Applebee OBE FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Charlie Chambers MIAT RAnTech, Roger Francis MSc FIAT RAnTech, Pete Gerson MSc FIAT RAnTech, Cathy Godfrey FIAT RAnTech, John Gregory BSc (Hons) FIAT CBiol FRSB RAnTech, Patrick Hayes FIAT DipBA RAnTech, Robert Kemp FIAT (Hon), Phil Ruddock MIAT RAnTech, Ted Wills FIAT (Hon) RAnTechHonorary MembersMark Gardiner MIAT RAnTech, Stuart Mackrell FIAT RAnTech, Wendy Steel BSc (Hons) FIAT Members of CouncilCarmen Abela, Ken Applebee, Kally Booth, Steven Cubitt, Simon Cumming, Haley Daniels, Glyn Fisher, Alan Graham, Diane Hazlehurst, Linda Horan, Sam Jameson, Elaine Kirkum, Adele Kitching, Robin Labesse, Theresa Langford, Sylvie Mehigan, Tina O’Mahony, Claire Pearce, Toby Sanders, Allan Thornhill, John Waters, Lynda Westall, Carole Wilson, Adrian Woodhouse

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84BRANCH SECRETARIES 2022Cambridge: Tony Davidge cambridgebranch@iat.org.ukEdinburgh: Kery-Anne Lavin-Thomson edinburghbranch@iat.org.ukHuntingdon, Suffolk & Norfolk: Jo Martin hssbranch@iat.org.ukIreland: Lisa Watson irelandbranch@iat.org.ukLondon: Rebecca Towns londonbranch@iat.org.ukMidlands: Ian Fielding midlandsbranch@iat.org.ukNorth East England: Zoe Smith and John Bland northeastbranch@iat.org.ukNorth West: Nicky Windows cheshirebranch@iat.org.ukOxford: Adam Truby oxfordbranch@iat.org.ukSurrey, Hampshire & Sussex: Francesca Whitmore shsbranch@iat.org.ukWest Middlesex: Josefine Woodley westmiddxbranch@iat.org.ukWales & West: Rhys Perry waleswestbranch@iat.org.ukWest of Scotland: Joanne King westscotlandbranch@iat.org.ukIAT OFFICERS M AY BECONTACTED VIA:IAT Administrator:admin@iat.org.ukOR VIA THE IAT WEBSITE AT :www.iat.org.ukOR THE REGISTERED OFFICE:5 South Parade, Summertown,Oxford OX2 7JLAdvertisement Managers:PRC Associates LtdEmail: mail@prcassoc.co.ukAlthough every effort is made to ensure that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appear in thejournal, the Institute of Animal Technology wish to expound that the data and opinions appearing in the articles,poster presentations and advertisements in ATW are the responsibility of the contributor and advertiser concerned.Accordingly the IAT, Editor and their agents, accept no liability whatsoever for the consequences of any suchinaccurate or misleading data, opinion, statement or advertisement being published. Furthermore the opinionsexpressed in the journal do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Institute of Animal Technology.© 2023 Institute of Animal TechnologyAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.CPD Officer: Alan Palmer MIAT RAnTechRegistration and Accreditation Board:Glyn Fisher (Chair), John Gregor y,Cathy Godfrey, Kathy Ryder (Home Office),Stuart StevensonObserver: Ngaire Dennison (LAVA)Congress Committee:Alan Graham (Chair), Haley Daniels, Adele Kitching,Allan Thornhill, John WatersDiversity Officer:Haley Daniels MBA MSc MIAT RAnTech CIPDUK Biosciences ASG Representative/Home Office:Alan Palmer MIAT RAnTechviAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 12/8/20 07:54 Page viRegistration and Accreditation Board:Ken Applebee (Chair), Glyn Fisher (Secretary), Charlie Chambers, John Gregory, Cathy Godfrey, Kathy Ryder, Stuart Stevenson Observer: Ngaire Dennison (LAVA)Congress Committee:Alan Graham (Chair), Haley Daniels, Adele Kitching, Claire Pearce, Allan ThornhillEquity, Diversity and Inclusion Ofﬁcer:Haley Daniels MBA MSc MIAT RAnTech CIPDIndex to AdvertisersBRANCH SECRETARIES 2022Cambridge: Tony Davidge cambridgebranch@iat.org.ukEdinburgh: Kery-Anne Lavin-Thomson edinburghbranch@iat.org.ukHuntingdon, Suffolk & Norfolk: Jo Martin hssbranch@iat.org.ukIreland: Lisa Watson irelandbranch@iat.org.ukLondon: Rebecca Towns londonbranch@iat.org.ukMidlands: Ian Fielding midlandsbranch@iat.org.ukNorth East England: Zoe Smith and John Bland northeastbranch@iat.org.ukNorth West: Nicky Windows cheshirebranch@iat.org.ukOxford: Adam Truby oxfordbranch@iat.org.ukSurrey, Hampshire & Sussex: Francesca Whitmore shsbranch@iat.org.ukWest Middlesex: Josefine Woodley westmiddxbranch@iat.org.ukWales & West: Rhys Perry waleswestbranch@iat.org.ukWest of Scotland: Joanne King westscotlandbranch@iat.org.ukIAT OFFICERS M AY BECONTACTED VIA:IAT Administrator:admin@iat.org.ukOR VIA THE IAT WEBSITE AT :www.iat.org.ukOR THE REGISTERED OFFICE:5 South Parade, Summertown,Oxford OX2 7JLAdvertisement Managers:PRC Associates LtdEmail: mail@prcassoc.co.ukAlthough every effort is made to ensure that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appear in thejournal, the Institute of Animal Technology wish to expound that the data and opinions appearing in the articles,poster presentations and advertisements in ATW are the responsibility of the contributor and advertiser concerned.Accordingly the IAT, Editor and their agents, accept no liability whatsoever for the consequences of any suchinaccurate or misleading data, opinion, statement or advertisement being published. Furthermore the opinionsexpressed in the journal do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Institute of Animal Technology.© 2023 Institute of Animal TechnologyAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.CPD Officer: Alan Palmer MIAT RAnTechRegistration and Accreditation Board:Glyn Fisher (Chair), John Gregor y,Cathy Godfrey, Kathy Ryder (Home Office),Stuart StevensonObserver: Ngaire Dennison (LAVA)Congress Committee:Alan Graham (Chair), Haley Daniels, Adele Kitching,Allan Thornhill, John WatersDiversity Officer:Haley Daniels MBA MSc MIAT RAnTech CIPDUK Biosciences ASG Representative/Home Office:Alan Palmer MIAT RAnTechviAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 12/8/20 07:54 Page viDatesand Ltd .................................................IFCInstitute of Animal Technology .............85, 86, 88, 89, 140, 144, 160, 162, 163, 0BCIPS Product Supplies Ltd ................................IBCLBS Serving Biotechnology Ltd .........................82RSPCA .........................................................161Tecniplast UK Ltd ............................................90BRANCH SECRETARIES 2023Cambridge: Tony Davidge cambridgebranch@iat.org.ukEdinburgh: Gordon Melville edinburghbranch@iat.org.ukHuntingdon, Suffolk & Norfolk: Thomas McCamley hssbranch@iat.org.ukIreland: Lisa Watson irelandbranch@iat.org.ukLondon: Louise Fisher londonbranch@iat.org.ukMidlands: Ian Fielding midlandsbranch@iat.org.ukNorth East England: Zoe Smith northeastbranch@iat.org.ukNorth West: Emma Owens cheshirebranch@iat.org.ukOxford: Adam Truby oxfordbranch@iat.org.ukSurrey, Hampshire & Sussex: Francesca Whitmore shsbranch@iat.org.ukWest Middlesex: Hannah Easter westmiddxbranch@iat.org.ukWest of Scotland: Joanne King westscotlandbranch@iat.org.uk

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87August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareEditorialJas BarleyChair of the Editorial BoardLooking back over issues of the Journal through its various identities, one thing is apparent and that is the contribution thatoverseas authors have made to the content. Topics have varied from dealing with exotic species, lack of sophisticated equipment,different attitudes to everyday problems, staff training and education and disease outbreaks. However, the resolute that has beenconstant throughout, despite the differ ences across the world, is the love and concern for the animals being cared for.Many include interesting photographs but I unfortunately am unable to use them as the quality of images is so poor whenrepr oduced, to the extent in some cases, they become worthless.Obviously, things have changed over seven decades and the technology described in contributions from overseas is less differentfrom what we use in the UK. This issue welcomes contributions from Australia, the Czech Republic and Iran as well, of coursefrom the UK. Since ATW became an Open Access publication and is being published electronically, it is enjoying a wider audienceand is attracting more contributions than usual. Not all are relevant to our profession, but knowledge is transferable so whatseems ‘off beat’ today may become useful in the future. However, as Editor I will always strive to maintain the quality of ourpublications and the usefulness to our readers.In this issue we include the RSPCA 2019 Rodent and Rabbit Welfare group meeting r epor t. The 26th meeting that the RSPCA haveorganised focussed on ‘sentience, positive welfare and psychological well being’. The report contains contributions from 11presenters as well as notes on the interactive discussion session on sentience that closed the meeting.A paper from Iran, a first as far as I can see for the Journal, on reducing the negative effects of methionine on bone parametersin broilers’ embryos may seem of little relevance but it offers a better understanding of how methionine affects bone structurewhich is important to most species. Similarly, Feline Assisted Therapy as described by the team at the University of Life SciencesPrague does not appear to fall into the realms of Animal Technology but it gives us a better understanding of how animals can havea positive effect on some people, which in the current situation may be of significant benefit to a wider population. Our final paperfrom the team at Western Sydney University, details the care of the Children’ Python and two species of Bearded Dragons. Notperhaps the run of the mill laboratory animals but just as important to many Animal Technologists globally as mice and rats. If youkeep reptiles at home or know of someone who is contemplating one as a pet these papers make useful reference documents. Wealso offer two papers from previous issues of the Journal which were very different in appearance and content than today’s Journalof Animal Technology and Welfare and not only because of the change of title. Issues were printed in black and white and in the veryearly days were produced by hand. The paper from France on Physical Hazards in the laboratory animal house will bring back manymemories for some of the older technicians, myself included, but not necessarily good ones. The use of ether as an anaestheticwhich I know is still used in some countries where resources are limited, for human surgery, presented a very real danger to bothanimals and staff. Disease in laboratory animal units was often a recurring problem, bacterial infections such as Pseudomonas asdescribed in the reprint of the article were still presenting Animal Technologists with problems as late as the end of the 1980s. Whenimporting animals and tissues from overseas it is important to realise that they may be carrying disease not seen in the UK forseveral decades. In recent times, Ectromelia was introduced into a unit in the USA via antibodies produced overseas. Precautionsmust be taken until such time as you are sure that the animals and tissues are clear of any underlying infections.We are also able to offer in this issue an interesting Tech-2-Tech article by Seonagh Henderson of the University of Glasgow, ona novel technique of cage cleaning which hasa positive effect on the welfare of laboratory rats. Finally, we included several postersprepared for AST2020 but sadly at the moment remain unpresented.Thanks again to all of our authors, past and present, both internationally and here in the UK. There would not have been 70 yearsof the Journal without you. Here is to the next seven decades and beyond.THE INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL TECHNOLOGYETHICAL STATEMENT“In the conduct of their Professional duties, Animal Technologists have a moral and legalobligation, at all times, to promote and safeguard the welfare of animals in their care,recognising that good laboratory animal welfare is an essential component of goodlaboratory animal technology and science.The Institute recognises and supports the application of the principles of the 3Rs(Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in all areas of animal research.”ixAugust20:Animal Technology and Welfare 12/8/20 07:54 Page ixThis is my ﬁrst issue as the Chair of the Editorial Board and I do hope you enjoy the content. The issues that we produce provide a very good reference source for both independent learning and further education courses you undertake. We can continue to improve Animal Health and Welfare based on the ﬁndings of the concepts and work already undertaken. This edition consists of the new Guiding Principles for Named Persons, under The Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 which explains how Named persons are expected to perform their roles. The report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting was the ﬁrst person to person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a very interesting read where those who attended discussed current welfare research, reported on and evaluated views on welfare issues and shared experiences of the implementation of the 3Rs with respect to the use of rodents. The article of special interest is the Depth of Insemination which evaluated the reproductive per formance of 36 sows of a commercial hybrid strain that showed that the depth of insemination had signiﬁcant affect on performance.There are two Tech-2-Tech articles, one on The Elimination of Mycobacterium marinum within Guppy Colonies and the second being the new route to attaining IAT Fellowship status within the IAT that details how it has changed by building ﬂexibility into the higher education courses to enable students to choose subjects more applicable to their chosen career pathway. There is a poster on how often to reassess training competencies using a risk based approach and how this approach was deﬁned. We have the ﬁrst of our IAT Congress 2023 posters. How Rat Playpens affected animal health and welfare and technical time take to look after the rats whilst in their Playpens allowing them to perform their natural behaviours. The microbiological health screening of animals but without needing to use animals as sentinels for the screening and how the training of Animal Technicians beneﬁts a Culture of Care within their establishment.Each issue requires approximately 50 hours of editorial time to produce and we hope that there are articles of interest to you.We are always looking for new material for ATW and are here to support you with turning your ideas and concepts into realities. Please ensure you keep us in mind each time you give a presentation, run a workshop and produce a poster you feel may be appropriate for publication.EditorialDiane HazlehurstChair of the Editorial BoardAugust 2023 Animal Technology and Welfare

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The Andrew Blake Tribute Award commemorates the work and life of Andrew Blake, who suffered from Friedrich’s ataxia, a hereditary condition described as one of the “worst of neurological diseases”. Andrew died in May 2002 aged 39. Andrew was passionate about the need to support scientists in their work and his commitment to speaking out against animal rights activists took up much of the last ten years of his life. He died shortly before he was to collect his MBE.ANDREW BLAKETRIBUTE AWARDSPONSORED BY THE NC3RsANDREW BLAKETRIBUTE AWARDDON’T KEEP YOUR GOOD IDEA TO YOURSELF!WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT FOR THE 2024 AWARDDETAILS OF THE AWARD This Award is given annually, where sponsorship allows, to the Animal Technician/Technologist judged to have made the most significant contribution to improving standards in laboratory animal welfare over the previous twelve months. All qualified Animal Technologists are guided in their work by the Institute of Animal Technology’s Ethical Statement: In the conduct of their Professional duties Animal Technologists have a moral and legal obligation, at all times, to promote and safeguard the welfare of animals in their care, recognising that good laboratory animal welfare is an essential component of good laboratory animal technology and science. The Institute recognises and supports the application of the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in all areas of animal research. The Award is made to acknowledge the professional and personal commitment of Animal Technologists to improving standards in all aspects of laboratory animal care and welfare. THE PRIZE CONSISTS - CONGRESS 2024 FREE ATTENDANCEnext March WHICH WILL INCLUDE DISPLAYING YOUR POSTER(WITH THE OPTION TO ALSO GIVE AN ORAL PRESENTATION)- AN ENGRAVED GLASS PLAQUE - AND £250 CASH AWARDCLOSING DATE FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2023 Need advice – or you wish to discuss anything regarding a possible entry? Then please email the IAT Administrator admin@iat.org.uk with your contact details and one of the organisers will respond and give you all the support you need.ARE YOU AN ANIMAL TECH?HAVE YOU BEEN PART OF A TEAM OR HAVE YOU REFINED ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE IN YOUR FACILITY?ALL ANIMAL TECHNICIANS AND TECHNOLOGISTS, QUALIFIED AT ANY LEVEL AND PRIMARILY WORKING IN THE UK CAN ENTERCRITERIA – The topic of work that you describe in your application may be undertaken as part of a project and PRESENTED AS A POSTER.YOUR POSTER SUBMISSION SHOULD CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS: TITLE, AIM, METHOD, RESULTS, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, REFERENCES and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Poster should also contain the content below:- Why did you undertake this work? (what was the potential problem you were trying to improve?) - How did you undertake it? (species, numbers, sex, materials used) - Describe in a comprehensive and concise manner that allows a complete understanding facilitating reproducibility. - Explain if the work contributes to one of the 3Rs. - Explain how the welfare of the animals was improved. - Describe the results you obtained including data generated with assessment. - Were there any statistics undertaken? Please provide this information. Include a brief CV outlining your overall contribution to the work. Please also list your supervisors or PPL holder if applicable for the work. Submit your Poster online via this link https://www.iat.org.uk/abta where you will see the Submission form for completion.To allow others to be able to replicate the work, please consult the ARRIVE guidelines: https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/arrive-guidelines

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91August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2023 Animal Technology and WelfareReport of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group MeetingCHLOE STEVENS, TAYLA HAMMONDS3, JUSTYNA HINCHCLIFFE4, JOANNE MAINS5, CLAIRE ROBINSON6, JASMINE CLARKSON7,8, MATTHEW LEACH6, AMANDA BULMER9and CLAIRE PEARCE101 Animals in Science Department, RSPCA, Horsham RH12 1XH2 Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh EH9 3RG3 The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG4 School of Physiology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD5 University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY6 Comparative Biology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE2 4HH7 School of Biodiversity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH 8 School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 4LB 9 Fera Science Ltd, York Biotech Campus, York YO41 1LZ 10 King’s College London, London SE1 1UL Correspondence: chloe.stevens@rspca.org.ukIntroductionThe RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group has held a one-day meeting every autumn for the last 29 years, sothat its members can discuss current welfare research, exchange views on welfare issues and share experiences of the implementation of the 3Rs for Replacement, Reduction and Reﬁ nement with respect to rodent use.This meeting, held at Newcastle University in November 2022, was the ﬁ rst meeting that had taken place in-person after two years of online meetings due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. It allowed participants the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions throughout the day and as part of a group discussion session at the end of the day. The talks covered topics relating to positive welfare for laboratory animals and ways to reﬁ ne procedures. This report summarises the meeting and ends with a list of action points for readers to consider raising at their own establishments.Positive welfareThe importance of providing captive animals with positive experiences to ensure a good standard of welfare hasreceived increased attention in recent years, with recognition that to have a ‘life worth living’, animals need to have more positive experiences than negative ones. This means that those working with captive animals need to understand how to provide animals withpositive experiences and how to assess whether animalsare experiencing positive welfare.Methods of inducing and assessing positive affective states and positive animal welfare in ratsTayla Hammond, SRUC/University of EdinburghPlay behaviour has previously been proposed as a potential indicator of positive welfare as it occurs when primary survival needs are met, is easily recognisable and readily seen in juvenile mammals and is associated with positive emotions.1 There is also evidence that play is suppressed by negative experiences. However some authors have argued that there is insufﬁ cient evidence to draw clear conclusions about some aspects of the relationship between positive emotions and play.2 This means there is a need to develop methods which can induce positive emotions in animals so that the effect of these positive emotions on play behaviour can be understood.

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92Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Rat tickling has been widely promoted as a way to induce positive emotions in rats3 but this may not be the only way to play with a rat, as it focusses on three speciﬁc elements of play despite the fact that play in rats can incorporate many different types of behaviour. We developed a new method of play, which we termed ‘playful handling’ which incorporates more of these types of behaviour.To assess whether our playful handling approach can induce positive emotions in rats, we measured the frequency of ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) the rats produced. USVs are an objective tool for studying emotions in rats, as they are produced in different ranges according to whether rats are experiencing positive or negative emotions. We found that playful handling induced more positive USVs than control handling, both when individual rats were handled in an arena and when rats were handled in their home cage with their cage mate present. We also found that rats engaged in more solitary play behaviours before being playfully handled than before experiencing control handling, suggesting that playful handling can induce positive emotions and that this leads to more play behaviour.We also wanted to see if we could ﬁnd ways to induce positive states in our rats without relying on the interactions between humans and animals. Past research has explored how rats respond to hearing USVs, as these sounds are used for communication. Rats exposed to positive USVs in a radial arm maze tend to approach the speaker and show more exploratory behaviour while, those played negative USVs tend to reduce activity and show more freezing behaviour but it is not clear what the full behavioural response of rats would be outside of the radial arm maze paradigm. To better understand how rats respond to hearing positive USVs and whether this can improve their welfare, we conducted playback experiments in the home cage and measured the amount of USVs the rats produced as a result. We found that rats who were played recordings of positive USVs or white noise that was in a similar auditory range (50kHz) to positive USVs, produced more of their own positive USVs than when they were exposed to background noise. We also found that when rats were exposed to these stimuli over several days, the effect was maintained in rats played positive USVs but not those played white noise. Similarly, in our experiments with playful handling, we found that exposure to positive USVs also induced an increase in play behaviour before the exposure.In conclusion, we found that both playful handling and exposure to positive USVs can induce positive emotions in rats and that these positive emotions lead to an increase in play behaviour. This suggests that play behaviour itself is an indicator of positive Animal Welfare. Finally this highlights the shared responsibility of all those involved in the care and use of experimental animals to provide their animals with positive experiences as a prerequisite for their use.Box 1. Affective state.Affective state refers to the underlying emotional state of an animal. It can include both short-term emotional responses to speciﬁc positive or negative stimuli and longer, more diffuse moods.4The use of ball pits and playpens in laboratory Lister Hooded male rats induces ultrasonic vocalisations indicating a more positive affective state and can reduce the welfare impacts of aversive proceduresJustyna Hinchcliffe, University of BristolIt is well known that various factors in experimental animals can affect outcomes, such as strain, age, sex, development, social factors and affective state (Box 1). Several of these are affected by housing and husbandry. Given the current reproducibility crisis in preclinical research, there is a need to understand how we can improve research quality and reduce data variability.Improving Animal Welfare, implementing the 3Rs and reducing cumulative suffering are all important goals to help achieve this. Inducing positive affective states in animals is an important component of welfare and may help mitigate the negative effects of housing, handling and habituation.Reﬁnements aimed at improving the affective states of laboratory rodents include pairing handling with rewards, tickling rats, providing enrichment and giving rodents access to ball pits and playpens – but how do we know these are working? Traditional welfare assessment approaches, such as behavioural observations or physiological changes have limited usefulness, as they may indicate arousal or motivation rather than affective state. We have therefore developed two methods to assess the affective state of rats: an affective bias test and the use of ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs).Our affective bias test was translated from human work which has shown that patients with depression attribute less value to positive experiences. In our task, we trained rats to dig in two different but equally valued substrates. The rats experienced one substrate under control conditions and the other after experiencing some manipulation of their affective state (e.g. through a drug or environmental intervention). Each rat was then placed in a choice test to see which substrate they preferred. The rats’ choices indicated which substrate they had associated with the better experience and we validated this data by testing rats after the use of antidepressant drugs or depressant drugs to ensure their choices were reﬂective of their mood (‘affective state’).Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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93August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareOur second method, the use of USVs, is based upon data that shows that rats vocalise differently depending on their affective state – USVs in the 50kHz range areassociated with positive affective states, while those inthe 22kHz range are associated with negative affective states (see Hammond). The integration of USV recordingswith the affective bias test enables us to directly measure the relationship between call types and an animal’s emotional experience. This means that rat USVs can provide a simple, quantiﬁ able and graded measure of positive effect that accurately reﬂ ects the overall emotional state induced.We used these methods to assess the efﬁ cacy of ball pits and playpens at improving rat welfare. Ball pits (Figure 1) and playpens (Figure 2) are designed to provide greater environmental complexity, which can improve welfare, give rats the space to express a wider behavioural repertoire, provide social enrichment and improve human-animal interactions.We found that rats exposed to ball pits and playpens emitted signiﬁ cantly more 50 kHz USVs than those exposed to the control condition (an empty playpen), suggesting that access to these areas had a positive impact on rat welfare. We also found that this effect did not change over time, suggesting that the positive experience did not diminish with repeated exposures.We also tested the effect of playpen access on rats who had been administered a drug to induce a negative affective state using our affective bias test. We found that access to the playpen on the same day as receiving a dose of the anxiogenic drug attenuated the drug’s effects with rats that were put in the playpen for an hour showing a reduced negative state compared with rats that experienced the drug in their home cages. This shows how powerful playpens can be at improving welfare even when an animal is exposed to negative experiences.In summary, the ‘3Hs’ of housing, handling and habituation can have a major impact on an animal’s affective state. Reﬁ ning the 3Hs can lead to better Animal Welfare which in turn improves data quality, reduces variability, increases reliability and translational value and, may be able to lead to a reduction in the number of animals used. There are opportunities to reﬁ ne the experience of laboratory rodents within all these areas, including access to ball pits and playpens to improve housing, tickling to reduce stress associated with handling and restraint and, reﬁ nement of mild but repetitive procedures.9 experience. This means that rat USVs can provide a simple, quantifiable and graded measure of positive effect that accurately reflects the overall emotional state induced. We used these methods to assess the efficacy of ball pits and playpens at improving rat welfare. Ball pits (Figure 1) and playpens (Figure 2) are designed to provide greater environmental complexity, which can improve welfare, give rats the space to express a wider behavioural repertoire, provide social enrichment and improve human-animal interactions. Figure 1. Rats in a ball pit Figure 1. Rats in a ball pit. Figure 2. A rat playpen. Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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94Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020The practicality and functionality of the rat playroom Joanne Mains, University of DundeeOur goal in this industry as Animal Technologists is to try and ensure that our animals have a fulﬁlled and enriched life regardless of the duration they remain in our care. This includes allowing the animals the ability to exhibit as many of their natural behaviours as possible. All the standardised cages available on the market today, regardless of how advanced or large they are, just do not permit a full range of natural behaviours in rats. A rat playroom is a way of providing rats with access to a space where they can explore, experience social enrichment and express a wider range of natural behaviours however issues such as cost, space and time can be restrictive. We have been lucky enough to overcome most of the constraints which are present in many other facilities to create a rat playroom. The rat playroom came into being due to stafﬁng changes which led to the implementation of new ideas within the unit. These ideas included ﬂoor pens for Guinea pigs, adding more enrichment for mouse and rat home cages, making home cages larger, tickling and clicker training, rehoming where possible, and eventually, the playroom.5 (see also https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/tech3rs-issue-16-december-2022)Our playroom is furnished with items designed to promote natural behaviours. We have used a wide variety of enrichment including red Perspex tubes, cardboard tubes, laboratory coat sleeves, old cages, igloos, bubble wrap, crepe paper and a plastic box ﬁlled with autoclaved soil, mealworms and sunﬂower seeds to encourage digging and foraging behaviour. We focussed on using items we already had in the unit or were free samples to keep the costs down, although we did have some small costs associated with buying a few additional items like cat toys, malt paste and mealworms.Some facilities may struggle to ﬁnd the spare space to create a playroom. In some cases where we had this issue, we instead created playpens – these are still bigger than the rats’ home cages (although we use large cages as standard) and can be ﬁlled with enrichment to give rats access to different items from those in their home cages. We also noted that commercially bought playpens do not have much space for rats to explore vertically, so we created a climbing frame from an old cage rack, ropes, cable ties and some cage tops which we bent to create ramps and even some old uniform ‘scrubs’ bottoms! We operate on the basis that stock rats, rats on long-term studies and those on non-behavioural studies can all go into the playroom. Our animals generally have access once a week for 45-60 minutes, usually on the day their cages are changed but no ﬁrm rota is in place. We have noted some male rats do not like being in the playroom after others, due to the scents left behind, so we give these males access earlier in the day. Cleaning is straightforward with the room only requiring a quick vacuuming and mopping which does not take more than 15 minutes.We have found that the playroom is great for training new users and students, helping them to build conﬁdence and improve handling skills. It is also a great site to introduce rats to each other before they are rehomed as the rats can get used to each other and to handling in neutral territory. The improvement in human-animal interactions is particularly noticeable with the Lister Hooded rats, who are more interested in human contact and playing even when exposed to novel enrichment whereas our Sprague-Dawley rats tend to prefer to explore and engage with the enrichment.An additional beneﬁt we have seen from the rat playroom is an improvement in staff morale. There are many emotionally challenging aspects to an Animal Technologists job and there is high potential for compassion fatigue. Since the introduction of the playroom we have seen many of our technologists (and some other staff) in the room playing with the rats during their break times. This can make it harder to say goodbye when the rats are rehomed but it is worth it to know that the rats have had lots of enrichment, human contact and positive experiences whilst in our facility. Housing reﬁnements to improve reproductive success in captive grey squirrelsAmanda Bulmer, FERAThe grey squirrel is native to North America but was introduced to the UK in the 19th Century. Since then, the UK grey squirrel population has grown to an estimated size of 2.5 million. This has contributed to the decline of the native red squirrel, which is thought to be due to several factors including grey squirrels being stronger and larger than reds and that grey squirrels can carry the squirrel pox virus (SQPV), which causes a serious infection in reds. As a result, research has focussed on ways to control grey squirrel populations, such as through fertility control.Fertility control studies require reproductively active individuals of the target species. Unlike laboratory rats and mice, we cannot source proven breeders from a registered breeding facility, so we have been developing and maintaining a captive grey squirrel breeding colony with founder individuals sourced from the wild. We frequently review husbandry and care practices to promote high standards of welfare, which has led to reﬁnements in three main areas: diet, housing and environmental enrichment. As well as increasing animal Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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95August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfarewelfare, reducing stress and promoting natural behaviours, these reﬁnements have also had impacts on breeding success within the colony.Grey squirrels are omnivorous and the main diet we provide is parrot mix, which contains nuts, seeds and dried fruit. We have a feeding plan in place to determine individual likes and dislikes and we do see the squirrels discarding items like chillies which are in the parrot mix. We further enrich the diet by providing fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly strawberries, carrots and oranges and sometimes make them fresh fruit kebabs. We add a range of food options on the ground or on platforms of different heights – these different feeding stations can also act as further enrichment and stimulation.We have trialled multiple ways of housing our breeding animals. Originally, we housed squirrels in trios (1M:2Fs) which had some breeding success. We switched to mixed pairs the following year. This led to an initial drop in breeding success, possibly due to the squirrels taking time to settle to their new pens and mates but eventually resulted in an overall increase in breeding productivity, with less dominance behaviour seen. We also reviewed our practices to reduce the number of times a technician went into the pen to limit disturbances and decided to visit at the same time each day. This further improved breeding success among the colony.More recently, we have trialled group housing by joining 4 pens together with tunnels (4M:4F). This has increased the competition between the males and increased the amount of breeding behaviour seen, resulting in greatly improved colony breeding performance. The use of tunnels allows the option to easily block pens off again if needed – for example, if we are doing a ‘soft release’ of a new squirrel – and we are trialling the use of a run-through microchip reader to give data on which squirrels are moving and where, and reduce the need for technicians to enter the pen if a squirrel has not been seen on CCTV that day.We provide plenty of enrichment for our squirrels including trees, ropes, tyres, wood chews and wood chips on the ﬂoor of the pens. We also provide nest boxes. These are designed with a viewing hatch at the front and are modiﬁed so that the base can be pushed up to lift a squirrel into a trap if they need to be recaptured. We add materials like wool, moss, horsehair, leaves and pieces of turf for nesting and, also place bales of hay in the pens during the littering season when the squirrels like to forage for their own nesting materials. In cold weather, we often ﬁnd cached pebbles in the nest boxes and have wondered whether these act like hot water bottles to help retain heat. We also try to encourage natural foraging behaviour by hiding treats around the pen or in milk bottles and have tried toys like a hay ball for horses which we stuffed with hay and monkey (peanuts in their shell) nuts.2022 was our most successful breeding year so far. We hope that these reﬁnements, particularly the introduction of group housing, will contribute to an even better breeding success in 2023. Setting the standard; an AWERB’s proactive approach to improving Animal WelfareClaire Robinson, Newcastle UniversityIn 2010 Professor Jane Hurst ﬁrst published her paper on the negative impact of tail capture on laboratory mice and how tunnel handling or cupping can reduce stress levels during this routine experience.6 Now, more than ten years on, low-stress handling has still not been fully adopted by the research community – so what are we doing at our establishments to make this the norm for our research animals? At Newcastle University, the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB) has taken a proactive approach to implementing Animal Welfare standards.In 2019, low-stress handling was not standard across all sites at Newcastle University. To encourage uptake among technicians, we invited John Waters from the University of Liverpool to host a training workshop for technical team members. Moving forward, as some of the technicians who had attended the workshop became more involved in training new licence holders, they refused to teach anything other than low-stress handling methods to new staff.The technical team then decided to take matters further and made a presentation to the AWERB to request a low-stress handling standard, during which they argued that low-stress handling should be a reﬁnement adopted in licences unless there is sound justiﬁcation not to. Key points raised included: that low-stress methods are essential to an establishment’s Culture of Care; that handling for routine husbandry is probably the most common stressor that animals experience and so, the use of habituation and non-aversive handling would enormously reﬁne the use of animals and that there were signiﬁcant training beneﬁts, as tunnel handling improves conﬁdence and skills in handling mice and creates a more positive human-animal connection.Despite the beneﬁts listed by the technical team, some members of the AWERB wanted more evidence that low-stress handling is effective which led to a more extensive ethical debate. As a side note, we found this a useful opportunity to put the ‘ethics’ back into the AWERB and following this presentation the AWERB regularly has debates on topics like training and recruitment of researchers and staff, openness initiatives, colony management practices, the use of positive reinforcement training, administration using non-invasive methods and conditions of care and standards for non-regulated Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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96Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020animal work. Now, we have a standard low-stress handling technique which is registered across the entire university and signiﬁcant justiﬁcation is needed for an exemption.Our experience with implementing this medthod led us to wonder how widespread adoption of this method is across the country. To assess this, we sent a training video and survey to attendees at a trainers’ day, which was focussed on training and competency delivery methods, implementation of this way of handling and the consistency of approach at establishments.A key ﬁnding from our survey was that only 67% said that low-stress handling was mandatory at their sites with 10% reporting that low-stress handling was not used at all. Some of the reasons given for this included that mice were being housed in isolators or in containment levels 3 and 4 – despite the fact that this way of handling can be used in these situations. We also asked participants about the length of time it would take staff to achieve handling skills to a local level, or the level shown in the training video and found a great deal of variation, with some reporting that it would take a day and others reporting that it would take two to three months.What does all this mean? Our own experiences and our survey results raise a number of important questions – including why isn’t low-stress handling the standard across the country? Why are teaching bodies not making it a standard? Why are we not all expecting the same minimum standard for a licence holder? What would be the response from the general public if they knew we were knowingly allowing establishments not to use low-stress handling? We have been able to implement this through a standard set by our AWERB – so those working in facilities without such a standard may wish to ask their AWERB why this is – and most importantly, remember the phrase ‘just because we can, does not mean we should’.Reﬁning proceduresTowards humane deaths for laboratory mice: hypobaric hypoxia is a potential alternative to Carbon dioxide exposureJasmine Clarkson, University of GlasgowMillions of mice are used annually for biomedical research. A prerequisite to their use in the UK is that they must be humanely killed upon completion of the scientiﬁc work. Approved killing methods under the Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 are assumed to be humane; however, there is debate over the appropriateness of some methods due to Animal Welfare concerns. For mice and other laboratory rodents, exposure to Carbon dioxide (CO2) remains one of the most commonly-used methods but CO2 exposure has the ability to induce anxiety, dyspnoea (shortness of breath) and pain at high concentrations.7,8 There is also growing evidence that people responsible for killing laboratory rodents are susceptible to compassion fatigue.9 Therefore ﬁnding a humane alternative to CO2 is a key priority for the research community.To better understand the use of CO2 across the UK, we conducted a survey of UK establishments which received 219 responses.10 CO2 use was widespread with most respondents (78.5%) stating it was available at their establishment. However we were surprised to ﬁnd that most respondents reported introducing CO2 to the bottom of the chamber despite good-practice guidelines recommending top-ﬁlling to ensure a more even dissipation of gas throughout the chamber and. less than 20% used the recommended ﬂow rate. We also found that many respondents were unaware of the ﬁll method or ﬂow rate used which was concerning as CO2 can cause pain at higher concentrations and understanding any killing method is important for proper application. Most respondents ranked humaneness as the most important factor behind choosing CO2 as a killing method, as well as its ability to be easy to use and provide a non-contact approach. However respondents also considered that minimal training was needed to use CO2 – which was concerning given our ﬁndings regarding good practice not being followed. Overall, our results suggest that CO2 continues to be widely used but is often employed incorrectly and currently there is a lack of knowledge and consistency surrounding its use across the UK.As an alternative to CO2, we are investigating the use of hypobaric hypoxia via gradual decompression for humane killing. Gradual decompression results in hypoxia (low oxygen levels) due to low pressure, thus simulating a process similar to ascending to high altitude. Hypoxia is insidious in humans with most people being unaware they are becoming hypoxic before they lose consciousness. So this may offer a higher-welfare alternative to the use of CO2.We demonstrated proof of principle using terminally anaesthetised mice by showing that hypobaric hypoxia can achieve 100% kill success in viable time frames and with minimal gross pathological damage. Faster rates of decompression did result in faster times to hypoxia and death but were associated with some middle ear congestion and haemorrhage, therefore slower changes in pressure are recommended for application in conscious mice.11To explore the welfare impacts of this method, we looked at the behavioural responses of mice undergoing decompression and compared these to mice exposed to CO2 and a sham treatment (placing mice in a chamber Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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97August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfarefor 6 minutes).12 We also explored the additional use of pain relief (analgesic) and anti-anxiety drug treatments. Although gradual decompression took longer to kill the mice, they displayed a ‘normal’ behavioural repertoire, similar to sham-exposed mice (e.g. exploring, grooming, digging). We also found no difference in the number of mice performing behaviours that could reﬂect potentially negative sensations (e.g., head ﬂicking or ear scratching) between mice undergoing gradual decompression compared to mice placed in the chamber alone (sham treatment). Analgesic and anti-anxiety drugs had no impact on the expression of ‘normal’ behaviours or behaviours that might have been associated with negative sensations, suggesting that the mice were unlikely to be showing or altering any behaviours due to pain or anxiety. We found that mice exposed to CO2 gasped more frequently and made a greater number of escape attempts than those exposed to gradual decompression or the sham treatment. We also found that CO2 exposed mice treated with analgesia gasped less, suggesting that gasping may be painful.To support our interpretation of spontaneous behaviour, we are currently exploring electrical brain activity via electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings to independently deﬁne the conscious phase of concern during induction of decompression or exposure to CO2. However our ﬁndings provide encouraging evidence that gradual decompression may offer a potential alternative to CO2 with better welfare outcomes and therefore could offer a major reﬁnement for the way that we kill millions of laboratory mice worldwide.Mouse MApp – automated scoring of the mouse grimace and body condition scalesMatt Leach, Newcastle UniversityThe use of mice in scientiﬁc research carries the risk of pain and distress due to scientiﬁc procedures, husbandry procedures such as ear notching and genetic modiﬁcation. However there are moral, legal and scientiﬁc reasons to try and prevent pain and distress. As a result, we need to be able to accurately identify and assess pain and distress when they occur.Two of the most commonly-used techniques that have been developed for assessing pain and distress in mice are the mouse grimace scale (MGS) – a three-point scale based on components of a mouse’s facial expression13 – and the body condition score (BCS), which involves palpating a mouse to see how fat or thin they are and assigning them a score (several different scoring scales are available e.g. Burkholder T. et al. (2012).14 Each technique is well-validated and generally considered accurate, reliable and easy and quick to learn and implement. However there has not been widespread adoption, possibly because they involve manual scoring which may be perceived as too time-consuming and labour intensive for routine use and because of a belief that highly trained personnel are needed to implement them. A proposed solution to this problem is to use machine-learning algorithms to automatically score pain and distress. We have embarked upon an NC3Rs CRACK IT Challenge to try and achieve this solution. The project had three aims: to develop an automated MGS system, to develop an automated BCS system and to integrate these systems into a multi-platform mobile application (app).To meet the ﬁrst aim, we developed a computer system that can accurately predict the intensity of a grimace score on a 0 (high conﬁdence of no pain) to 10 (high conﬁdence of severe pain) scale. This was based on an existing automated system which was trained on a database of around 6,000 images of white mice which had also been manually scored.15 However the accuracy of this system is slightly lower than a human and only determines the presence or absence of pain rather than individual scores. To improve the accuracy and allow the system to be used on a range of coat colours, the updated system has so far been trained on over 10,000 images of white mice and over 3,000 dark coated (C57) mice.To automate the BCS, we gave people access to a small mobile phone adapter that could produce an infra-red image, giving an accurate outline of the body. This image can then be compared to a body condition score on a 1-5 scale obtained by palpating that same mouse. Currently, we have more examples of mice that scored a 4 or 3, which is due to the fact that under the UK legislation, a mouse scoring a 2 or a 5 would probably have to be euthanised and a mouse scoring 1 would have to be euthanised rapidly. However so far, our system has an overall accuracy of 78.9% and the accuracy will increase as more images are used to train the system.To meet our ﬁnal aim, we are currently developing a mobile app that will integrate these systems. This app will give a simple user-deﬁned pre-determined threshold for action using a trafﬁc light system with green meaning no further action is required, yellow meaning that further action or monitoring is required and red, meaning that immediate action is required. The app will also be able to provide interested users with the detailed underlying data linked to the existing scales. In summary, we are currently halfway through this project, and are focussing on training and validation of our systems using data provided by our sponsors. The accuracy and reliability of our systems are increasing constantly and we are on-course to deliver a functional system that has the potential for high impact around the world and will be able to help improve the welfare of all mice used in research. Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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98Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Strategic approaches to ending severe suffering – how can Animal Technologists contribute?Chloe Stevens, RSPCAAround 3% of the 3 million animals used in research and testing in the UK each year experience ‘severe’ procedures. Procedures may be classed as ‘severe’ when animals used in science are likely to experience severe pain, suffering or distress or long-lasting moderate pain, suffering and distress or, severe impairment to their wellbeing or general condition. Severe suffering may be caused in models or studies of diseases or conditions that are severe in themselves, because of the cumulative impact of multiple less-severe factors or where animals die unexpectedly or, death is used as the endpoint of the study. Although all laboratory animal suffering is a concern and therefore reducing and avoiding severe suffering should be of top priority.Since 2012, the RSPCA has been working collaboratively with the scientiﬁc community in the UK, European Union and internationally, to initiate and promote a range of activities aimed at identifying and promoting practical steps which will help researchers to reduce or, ideally avoid severe suffering. The project has two key objectives – the ﬁrst is that we try and help establishments reﬁne the models they are using to bring them to a lower severity limit where possible and the second is to ensure that there has been robust discussion and a clear rationale that justiﬁes the need for severe models and procedures where they still exist.One of the major resources that forms part of this project is the Roadmap to Reducing Severe Suffering. The ‘Roadmap’ is a practical exercise that can help you focus on procedures in your institution that could cause severe suffering, or you can apply its approach to reduce suffering within any severity category. It involves an audit of procedures, carried out by an appropriate team of people with different expertise and perspectives. All those involved in the care, regulation and use of animals in science have a part to play in helping to reduce and avoid suffering and such a team might include scientists, vets and Animal Technologists. Animal Technologists can often make particularly valuable contributions to this exercise, as they are likely to be heavily involved in the day-to-day care of animals and will have invaluable knowledge of the biology, behaviour and welfare needs of the animals. Technologists will also be familiar with conducting cage side welfare assessment and so are well-placed to identify opportunities for reducing suffering and understanding and alleviating harms to animals. The best starting point is a collective agreement within an institution that ending severe suffering is desirable, possible and deserving of the necessary time and resources, followed by the setting of some clear objectives for what you would like the ‘Roadmap’ to achieve. This could be a particular model or procedure or it could be more ambitious – for example, reviewing all the severe work in the institution and aiming to reduce the number of animals experiencing severe procedures by a set amount. This can be viewed as part of the local Culture of Care.The exercise consists of four stages: analysis which involves establishing the group, setting objectives and gathering background information; evaluation which examines the potential sources of severe suffering; identifying issues during which any mitigation strategies or reﬁnements are implemented; and overcoming obstacles where you review your work and decide the next steps.As mentioned above, severe suffering may be caused through the study of severe disease models, in cases where animal deaths occur or as a result of cumulative severity. In the case of severe suffering caused by cumulative severity, it is ver y important to think about the animal’s lifetime experience. Animal Technologists are well-placed to identify and understand harms caused throughout the lifetime of the animal and to suggest and develop new reﬁnements that can reduce those harms and further contribute to reducing severity. Some examples of relevant lifetime experiences are available on the focusonseveresuffering.co.uk website. On the website you can also ﬁnd worksheets designed to help identify potential factors contributing to severity, consider the animal’s experience, the potential welfare issues and possible ways to mitigate the effects.The principle of ‘marginal gains’ that underlies the ‘Roadmap’ provides a feasible route to improving the welfare of animals that suffer severely and also those that experience moderate or even mild suffering. By involving a variety of participants and working towards reduced suffering, we can all contribute to a better life for laboratory animals.Taking the adversity out of sufferingClaire Pearce, King’s College LondonWithin animal research facilities, there will inevitably be experiments that lead to expected adverse effects but unexpected adverse effects can also occur. Often adverse effects result in animal suffering but should we accept suffering as an inevitable part of using animals? At King’s College London (KCL), we have implemented a system of study plans to provide an opportunity for us to learn from individual experiments, reduce protocol severity and reduce suffering for the animals involved.Study plans were initially introduced at KCL following the easing of the ﬁrst COVID lockdown in July 2020. These include details of the project licence (PPL), the protocols to be carried out, the known adverse effects listed in Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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99August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfarethe PPL and the humane endpoints. The form initially consisted of a Word document, which would be completed by the project licence holder or personal licence holder, before being submitted to the interim facility director who would cross-check the plan against the PPL. More recently, we have moved to a new system, where the Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcers (NACWOs) are responsible for checking and approving the plan and the competency of the individuals involved. Plans are widely accessible by all staff and further discussion of the plans can occur before they are approved, such as with the AWERB, the research community and with the interim director.Before the implementation of study plans, NACWOs would be notiﬁed of unexpected deaths by researchers or staff and a standard condition 18 report would be submitted but it was not clear how far information about the lessons learned would spread through the department. Now with study plans in place, there have been beneﬁts for both individual experiments and across the wider department. For example, listing the expected adverse effects in the plan allows unexpected adverse effects to be identiﬁed more easily – this then allows further discussion with all those involved in the work to see why the adverse effects have occurred, how they might be addressed and what needs to be done to allow the study to move forward. This has also enabled us to more effectively share the lessons learned from previous studies and share knowledge to positively impact future work. The use of study plans has allowed us to reduce suffering in a range of different studies and procedures. For example, sepsis studies previously lasted for 48 hours after animals received a sub-lethal dose of lipopolysaccharide, resulting in moderate but prolonged suffering. After the study plan was reviewed, a discussion about the existing data and the scientiﬁc requirements took place which allowed the time course to be modiﬁed to 12 hours and a better monitoring regime was implemented to further reduce suffering. Similarly myocardial infarction studies previously had a severity limit of ‘severe’ and the protocol only allowed for recovery. During discussions of the study plan, the scientists and the Home Ofﬁce Inspector found a series of early time points that could be investigated with a non-recovery model, which meant that severe endpoints could be avoided.It was important to us to gather feedback from the facility management team on how the use of study plans has helped to avoid unnecessary suffering. Managers have reported that more detail is available on adverse effects which has led to improved monitoring regimes to ensure that adverse effects are avoided or picked up at early stages. Other feedback has mentioned that facility staff have better awareness of study start dates which allows monitoring to start when the study begins, that drug doses have been modiﬁed and that studies can be reﬁned before they start.In the short time that study plans have been in use, they have reduced animal suffering and highlighted non-compliance issues and the need for individuals to receive further training. As we move forward, we intend to develop an adverse effect repository so that other research groups can have awareness of adverse effects and potential reﬁnements. It is important to us at KCL to continue to reduce suffering and we will continue to review PPLs alongside study plans to improve practice and reﬁne the whole animal experience. Action point– Consider how to introduce positive experiences into laboratory animals’ lives, rather than just reducing negative experiences – for example, can you introduce rat tickling or playful handling?– Give rodents access to ‘playrooms’ or areas with enhanced levels of enrichment – and remember that playrooms do not need to cost lots of money to set up.– If CO2 is used for humane killing of rodents in your facility, check that good-practice guidance is being followed (e.g. for top-ﬁlling of chambers and ﬂow rates).– Ensure low-stress handling is the standard handling method used for rodents at your establishment if it is not already.– Take the ‘Roadmap’ to an AWERB meeting for discussion or discuss it in project preplanning or wash-up meetings. Remember that it can be applied to all levels of severity.– When thinking about severity, make sure you consider the full lifetime experience of an animal and the potential cumulative impacts of stressful or painful experiences or procedures.– Consider the introduction of individual study plans if they are not already being used in your institution.References1 Held, S.D.E. & Špinka M. (2011). Animal play and animal welfare. Animal Behaviour, Vol. 81, 891–899.2 Ahloy-Dallaire, J., Espinosa, J. & Mason, G. (2018). Play and optimal welfare: Does play indicate the presence of positive affective states? Behavioural Processes, Vol. 156, 3–15.3 Panksepp, J. (1981). The ontogeny of play in rats. Developmental Psychobiology, Vol. 14, 327–332.4 Paul, E.S., Sher, S., Tamietto, M., Winkielman, P. & Mendl, M.T. (2020). Towards a comparative science of emotion: Affect and consciousness in humans and animals. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, Vol. 108, 749–770.Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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100Animal Technology and Welfare August 20205 King, J. (2019). Team awesome: why we can be proud. Animal Technology and Welfare, Vol. 18, 127-131.6 Hurst, J.L. & West, R.S. (2010). Taming anxiety in laboratory mice. Nature Methods, Vol. 7, 825–826.7 Conlee, K.M., Stephens, M.L., Rowan, A.N. & King, L.A. (2005). Carbon dioxide for euthanasia: concerns regarding pain and distress, with special reference to mice and rats. Laboratory Animals, Vol. 39, 137–161.8 Turner, P.V., Hickman, D.L., van Luijk, J. et al. (2020). Welfare Impact of Carbon Dioxide Euthanasia on Laboratory Mice and Rats: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 7, 411.9 Newsome, J.T., Clemmons, E.A., Fitzhugh, D.C. et al. (2019). Compassion Fatigue, Euthanasia Stress, and Their Management in Laboratory Animal Research. Journal of the American Association for Laborator y Animal Science: JAALAS, Vol. 58, 289–292.10 Clarkson, J.M., Leach, M.C., McKeegan, D.E.F. & Martin, J.E. (2023). The perspectives of UK personnel towards current killing practices for laboratory rodents. Scientiﬁc Reports, Vol. 13, 4808.11 Clarkson, J.M., McKeegan, D.E.F., Sparrey, J. et al. (2022). Determining Candidate Hypobaric Hypoxia Proﬁles for Humane Killing of Laboratory Mice. Frontiers in Veterinar y Science, Vol. 9, 834478.12 Clarkson, J.M., Martin, J.E., Sparrey, J., Leach, M.C. & McKeegan, D.E.F. (2023). Striving for humane deaths for laboratory mice: hypobaric hypoxia provides a potential alternative to carbon dioxide exposure. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, Vol. 290, 20222446.13 Langford, D.J., Bailey, A.L., Chanda, M.L. et al. (2010). Coding of facial expressions of pain in the laboratory mouse. Nature Methods, Vol. 7, 447–449.14 Burkholder, T., Foltz, C., Karlsson, E., Linton, C.G. & Smith, J.M. (2012). Health Evaluation of Experimental Laboratory Mice. Current Protocols in Mouse Biology, Vol. 2, 145–165.15 Tuttle, A.H., Molinaro, M.J., Jethwa, J.F. et al. (2018). A deep neural network to assess spontaneous pain from mouse facial expressions. Molecular Pain, 2018:14. doi 10.1177/1744806918763658.Report of the 2022 RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group Meeting

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101August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareGuiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders/Named Persons responsible for compliance, Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcers, Named Information Ofﬁcers and Home Ofﬁce Liaison Contacts working under the Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986LASA/LAVA/IATCorrespondence: admin@iat.org.ukRevised edition May 2023, ﬁrst edition May 2016Glossary IntroductionThe Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended in 2012 to take account of the requirements of European Directive 2010/63/EU) requires that the following persons are identiﬁed on the Establishment Licence:(i) Named Person Responsible for Compliance (NPRC): Ensures that the requirements of ASPA and the conditions of the establishment licence are complied with. Where the PELh is an individual, ASRU expect that the person named as the PELh will also be the NPRC. However where the Establishment Licence Holder is a corporate entity it is necessary to appoint an individual to serve as the Named Person Responsible for Compliance. In this situation, they should be of similar standing as expected for a PELh in terms of authority and seniority and undertake similar training.(ii) Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS): A designated veterinarian with expertise in relevant experimental animal medicine, charged with advisory duties in relation to the wellbeing and treatment of the animals. Exceptionally, a suitably qualiﬁed expert may be appointed where more appropriate.(iii) Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcer (NACWO): Responsible for overseeing the welfare and care of the animals in the establishment.August 2023 Animal Technology and WelfareASC Animals in Science Committee A(SP)A Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 ASPeL Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) e-Licensing ASRU Animals in Science Regulation Unit AWERB Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body CoP Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals CPD Continuing Professional Development DOPS Direct Observation of Practical/Procedural Skills training and assessment sheets ELH Establishment Licence Holder The Guidance Home Ofﬁce Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 HOI Home Ofﬁce Inspector HOLC Home Ofﬁce Liaison Contact HOLTIF Home Ofﬁce Liaison, Training and Information Forum IAT Institute of Animal Technology LASA Laboratory Animal Science Association LAVA Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association NACWO Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcer NIO Named Information Ofﬁcer NPRC Named Person Responsible for Compliance NTCO Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcer NVS Named Veterinary Surgeon PEL Procedural Establishment Licence PELh Procedural Establishment Licence Holder, also referred to as ELH (or Named Person Responsible for Compliance) PILh Procedural Personal Licence Holder PPLh Procedural Project Licence Holder Three Rs/3Rs Replacement, Reﬁnement and Reduction

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102Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020(iv) Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcer (NTCO): responsible for ensuring that staff are adequately educated, competent and continuously trained and that they are supervised until they have demonstrated the requisite competency.(v) Named Information Ofﬁcer (NIO): to ensure that staff dealing with animals have access to information speciﬁc to the species housed in the establishment.The NPRC, NTCO and NIO are roles that were introduced after the legislation was amended in 2013.– Establishments may also have a Home Ofﬁce Liaison Contact (HOLC). Though not legally required, this administrative management position can act as the central point of communication with the Home Ofﬁce and facilitate the smooth running of the licensing system in an establishment.The Establishment Licence Holder (or NPRC where the Establishment holds the licence) is responsible for the appointment and performance of Named Persons (Section 2C Establishment Licence condition (PEL) 15) and has a key role in supporting the Named Persons and HOLC and determining how these role requirements can be achieved efﬁciently and effectively.Ultimately the PELh/NPRC must satisfy themselves that the local systems developed by the Named Persons and the AWERB meet the requirements under the Act and help to maintain a Culture of Care.One of the key tasks of the AWERB is also to support Named Persons (and other staff dealing with animals) on Animal Welfare, ethical issues and the provision of appropriate training. A good level of communication and engagement with the AWERB will help the NTCO, NIO and HOLC to fulﬁl their roles.This LASA/LAVA/IAT guidance document is intended to assist individuals with responsibilities under or related to ASPA – whether new to their role or already carrying out their roles. It will also assist others such as the Establishment Licence Holder/NPRC, AWERB members, Named Persons, managers, etc., to understand the role of the NPRC, NTCO, NIO and HOLC and therefore how they can assist the individuals performing these functions.Many individuals and bodies, including the AWERB, will be involved in determining how the Named Person roles work within each establishment’s infrastructure. It is useful to document formal discussion and activities around establishing and reviewing these processes.Key points:– Each Named Person needs to know their role and be able to effectively communicate as necessary with other Named Persons and others in the animal resear ch community within the Establishment.– Roles should be properly resourced and supported by senior management and AWERB.– Establishment Licence Holders/NPRC should deﬁne and agree a functional framework for their own establishment so that all individuals with responsibilities under ASPA are aware of the role and responsibilities of the Named Persons.The Home Ofﬁce Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 (March 2014) (referred to in this document as the Guidance) provides guidance on the administration and enforcement of ASPA. This includes information and advice about how the Named Persons are required to discharge their duties under ASPA (see Chapter 8) and highlights their importance within the establishment to assist the Establishment Licence Holder (PELh) in fulﬁlling their responsibilities. The Guidance also makes suggestions on training (see Chapter 9).The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) and the Royal College of Veterinar y Surgeons (RCVS) also provide their own guidance for NACWOs and NVSs respectively (see references).The purpose of this LASA/LAVA/IAT document is to provide additional practical advice on how the roles of the NPRC, NTCO and NIO, as well as that of HOLC, can be implemented.This guidance has been written and structured with the expectation that some readers may not necessarily read the entire document but may refer to speciﬁc sections relevant to their role. It will be reviewed and updated as experience of these roles develops.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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103August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareWhere the PELh is an individual, ASRU expect that the person named as the PELh will also be the NPRC. However where the Establishment Licence Holder is a corporate entity it is necessary to appoint an individual to serve as the Named Person Responsible for Compliance. In this situation, they should be of similar standing as expected for a PELh in terms of authority and seniority and undertake similar training.Establishment Licence Holder (PELh)/Named Person Responsible for Compliance (NPRC)What is the job? What are the responsibilities? Interactions of the PELh/NPRCl providing leadershipl ensuring compliancel ensuring the 3Rs are applied as fully as possiblel promoting a Culture of Carel ensuring the establishment has sufﬁcient competent staffl setting up and running an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)l the per formance and conduct of Named Personsl avoidance of conﬂicts of interestl ensuring animals have appropriate care and accommodationl countersigning project licence applicationsl record-keeping and ensuring appropriate identiﬁcation of animalslmaintaining a register of those competent (initially under supervision) to kill protected animalsThe responsibilities of the NPRC are the same as those of an individual serving as Establishment Licence Holder:Guiding principles for Establishment Licence HoldersNAMED TRAINING AND COMPETENCY OFFICER (NTCO)NAMED INFORMATION OFFICER (NIO)HOME OFFICE LIAISON CONTACT (HOLC)PROJECT LICENCEHOLDER (PPLh)EXTERNAL LIAISON ASSOCIATIONS – IAT, LASA LAVA, NC3Rs, RSPCA, UAR, etcPERSONAL LICENCEHOLDER (PILh)ANIMAL WELFARE AND ETHICAL REVIEW BODY (AWERB)LASA ESTABLISHMENT LICENCE HOLDER FORUM (ELH)NAMED VETERINARY SURGEON (NVS)ANIMAL CARER/ TECHNOLOGISTNAMED ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE OFFICER (NACWO)PELh/NPRC

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104Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Refer to Chapter 3 of the GuidanceNew Establishment Licence Holders/NPRC are expected to understand the relevant legal and ethical issues relating to the use of animals under the Act. They are expected to undertake accredited training in UK modules L (National Legislation) & E1 (Ethics, Animal Welfare and the 3Rs (level 1)) as a minimum to provide this understanding.A course aimed at Establishment Licence Holders/NPRC is held annually by LASA, generally in the autumn. This is a one-day training session that discusses current legal, ethical and management issues relating to the scientiﬁc use of animals.ASRU provides operational and strategic updates via periodic electronic newsletters. It is also the responsibility of the PELh or NPRC to ensure that this information is circulated to the NIO and others within establishments as appropriate.To ensure you receive the updates please register via this link. www.gov.uk/government/collections/animals-in-science-regulation-unitNamed Training and Competency OfﬁcerWhat is the job? What are the responsibilities? Interactions of the NTCOGuiding principles for Establishment Licence HoldersOTHER NTCOsNAMED INFORMATION OFFICER (NIO)HOME OFFICE LIAISON CONTACT (HOLC)PROJECT LICENCEHOLDER (PPLh)EXTERNAL LIAISON ASSOCIATIONS – IAT, LASA LAVA, NC3Rs, RSPCA, etcPERSONAL LICENCEHOLDER (PILh)ANIMAL WELFARE AND ETHICAL REVIEW BODY (AWERB)ESTABLISHMENT LICENCE HOLDER (ELH)NAMED VETERINARY SURGEON (NVS)ANIMAL CARER/ TECHNOLOGISTNAMED ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE OFFICER (NACWO)NTCO

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105August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareThe Establishment Licence Holder/NPRC should support the NTCO in determining how the requirements set out by the Home Ofﬁce (see the Guidance – Chapter 8.9) can be achieved efﬁciently and effectively. The NTCO role needs to be properly resourced and supported by senior management to ensure that training requirements for all staff are met.The role of NTCO may be a stand-alone deﬁned position within an establishment. In some cases, it will be undertaken (where there are no conﬂicts of interest) in combination with other roles. In a large establishment, the role will often be undertaken by different persons at different sites or for different species. Where more than one person is tasked with this role it is important that they all work closely as a team, applying the same principles and standards, whilst ensuring that division of responsibility is clear. Oversight of these standards will be maintained, at establishment level, by the Establishment Licence Holder (PELh)/NPRC and/or the AWERB where appropriate.The NTCO should be sufﬁciently senior to inﬂuence others, make decisions, and lead on training issues within an establishment. They will ensure that training, supervision, competence assessment and Continuing Professional Development are undertaken and recorded.In some establishments, the NTCO may not be directly involved themselves in the delivery or assessment of training or competency (in which case their role will be to ensure appropriate delivery of the requirements). Core Role:lsetting local standardslapplying local standardslrecord systemslsupervision and Competence AssessmentlContinuing Professional Development (CPD)longoing review of local processeslcommunicationsThe Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcer (NTCO) is responsible for ensuring that all those dealing with animals are adequately educated, trained and supervised until they are competent and that they continue to undertake appropriate further training to maintain their expertise.Practical responsibilities in these cases are delegated to experienced practitioners who are themselves competent to train (and/or assess) the necessary techniques.Trainers/supervisors may be personal or project licence holders, members of the animal technical staff or a veterinarian. These people will make direct contributions to training/supervision/assessment of those involved in animal research.Trainers/assessors/supervisors will be selected according to their expertise and competence in their day-to-day work as well as on their ability to teach the technique(s).The project licence holder is responsible for ensuring an appropriate level of supervision is provided for all personal licensees carrying out procedures but the systems and record keeping for this should comply with the local establishment systems which have been set up by the NTCO. The AWERB should be aware of any standard procedures and practices for training within the establishment and there may be a role for the AWERB in the development, establishment and revision of these.Setting local standardsThe NTCO role holder should set local standards for training, supervision, competency and Continuing Professional Development which meet national expectations as outlined in the EU Education and Training Framework and adopted in the UK.Identifying who needs trainingChapter 9 of the Guidance details the UK requirements for training. These should be understood in detail by the NTCO.The initial training requirements vary for:– Personal Licence Holders (PILh) – those carr ying out procedures.– Project Licence Holders (PPLh) – those responsible for designing projects and studies, who may or may not be personal licence holders.– Those taking care of animals* (from a Trainee Animal Technician, through to Animal Technician and then to becoming a Registered Animal Technologist (RAnTech))– People involved in the humane killing of animals.* Not all technical staff will undergo Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) training but local training systems should be in place and properly documented so that it is clear they have been appropriately trained and assessed as competent in relevant practices before an animal carer is permitted to be responsible for animals.Development and administration of such local training systems are the responsibility of the NTCO.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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106Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020What standards should be met?The standards for initial training of personal and project licence holders (when undertaken in the UK) are set by the Accrediting Bodies. At present these are the Scottish Accreditation Board, the Royal Society of Biology and the Universities Accreditation and Quality Audit Group. Accredited training for animal carers, including NACWOs can be accessed via the IAT. All these accredited courses will provide standard, speciﬁc and clear format certiﬁcates of successful completion of modules. The NTCO should be able to recognise training certiﬁcates from these accrediting bodies.Identifying training needsThe NTCO will need to develop mechanisms to identify where there are new training needs, for example new procedures or species. The NTCO should also develop systems for routine re-assessment. In addition they should also identify triggers for re-training or re-assessment, such as poor surgical outcomes or where a technique is not used for a prolonged period. Approaches to training should be sufﬁciently ﬂexible to accommodate differing individual skills and needs.Flexible approaches to training/assessment of competence may be required. Full use should be made of local skills and knowledge, including involving others such as NACWOs, NVSs and the AWERB where appropriate. The AWERB has the task of establishing and reviewing management and operational processes for monitoring, reporting and follow-up in relation to the welfare of animals housed or used in the licensed establishment. Training and competence are essential to good welfare and therefore the AWERB is expected to have oversight/review the provision of training.The NTCO is responsible for ensuring that mechanisms are in place to identify new learners. Good communication systems will need to be in place with NACWOs, Project Licence holders, etc., to ensure that new personnel are identiﬁed (preferably prior to their arrival) so that efﬁcient and appropriately tailored systems can be put in place such that training requirements do not hold up their work unnecessarily.A system should be in place to ensure that training, supervision and competence standards are met for animal technicians. Whilst some may go through formal IAT training, local training will also occur. Once trained and competent, Animal Technologists will be taking individual responsibility for the animals under their care and so the training must be formally recorded as evidence of the skills obtained. The NTCO will be responsible for ensuring that this process complies with local and ASPA Guidance requirements.Killing of animalsAll those who kill animals must have satisfactorily completed appropriate training, whether the killing method is one authorised within a project licence, under Schedule 1, or on the PEL.Involvement of the NVS may be particularly helpful in considering killing methods. The Learning Outcomes described in EU Education and Training Framework – Module 6 must be achieved by the learners before undertaking killing unsupervised.A personal licence is not required, if an individual is only killing animals by a Schedule 1 method but all individuals must be trained and competent.A local module which complies with the requirements of Module 6.3 will need to be developed and in place and appropriate trainers and assessors identiﬁed. Personal training records of competence in each of the (species and stage dependent) Schedule 1 killing methods will need to be devised and kept. Those trained in Schedule 1 and other methods should be listed on the Schedule 1 register held within the establishment (Section 2C Establishment Licence (PEL) condition 2). Records should indicate the methods in which they have been trained and assessed as competent and for which species/stage of development. The format for these records and the system of completion and maintenance will need to be agreed internally and approved by the PELh/NPRC. These will often be maintained by the NTCO (or the HOLC) on behalf of the PELh/NPRC.ExemptionsThe NTCO may be asked about exemptions from training. They may use Home Ofﬁce documents to understand what exemptions may be applied but other than for predeﬁned described circumstances, they should consult with the ASRU Licensing team to obtain a ﬁnal decision on the acceptability of the exemption request.The NTCO and ASPeLThe NTCO has a role in the ASPeL process for approving personal licence applications. The NTCO is responsible for verifying and conﬁrming that the applicant’s training details are accurate and for signing off all PIL applications which are submitted in the system. The NTCO should declare:– I have the authority of the establishment licence holder and they are aware that this establishment will have ﬁnancial responsibility for this personal licence if granted.In large institutions the NTCO is likely to rely on information from the PPL holder regarding things such Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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107August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfareas the applicant’s character and command of English for example and local systems may be put in place to conﬁrm and record such details.The NTCO should also make PIL applicants aware that the establishment can revoke their licence, on behalf of the PELh, if necessary.Applying local standardsThe key ongoing role for the NTCO is in ensuring compliance with the standards set by the institution for supervision, competence and CPD for each of the functions of Animal Technologists, personal licence holders, project licence holders and Named Persons as laid out in the EU Education and Training Framework and the ASPA guidance (2C.5).How the system is delivered will depend on the nature of the NTCO’s role within the establishment. If this role is solely a management/administrative role, then direct involvement in training/supervision/assessment will not occur. However regardless of whether they are directly involved in the provision of training, the NTCO will need to oversee the process of recording training, supervision, competence and CPD for all members of staff involved with ASPA within the establishment. This includes making sure that a consistent approach is being adopted and delivered by and for all staff.Identifying appropriate training and trainersA list of EU and UK associations and accrediting bodies providing information and guidance may be found at the end of this document.The NTCO should be able to assist those learning to identify and attend appropriate training. For new learners, this will involve knowing which modules are required, where and when high quality species speciﬁc modules are available and how to book them. They may collect and collate feedback from previous attendees to select the best courses. It is important to use properly trained trainers who use modern practices with optimised Animal Welfare appropriate to the required science as a key outcome.On completion, the NTCO will need to see and check evidence of training certiﬁcate(s)/DOPS to ensure successful completion of all required modules. Once the learner has obtained their personal licence, the NTCO will need to work with the project licence holder to identify which procedures/techniques the learner needs to become competent in. Either the NTCO themselves, or in communication with others such as NACWO and NVS, will then identify possible trainers and work with the learner to establish a suitable training schedule. NTCOs are responsible for communicating requirements/expectations to trainers, supervisors and learners and for ensuring that staff are aware of their individual responsibilities within the local system which, for example, might include the use of DOPS sheets to record practical skills training.LASA have a library of DOPS available from their web site to assist people developing training in procedural techniques.The NTCO will need to make sure that new training needs are being identiﬁed as science develops, techniques become more reﬁned, or as new species are brought into the establishment. Local mechanisms and procedures should be regularly reviewed to ensure that these are being identiﬁed. Issues arising where there is doubt or evidence of failure to maintain competence need to be dealt with promptly and in accordance with set local procedures.When triggers, such as poor surgical outcomes or acute increases in unexpected adverse effects are identiﬁed, the NTCO should be involved in reviewing these, devising further training if required, and ensuring it is completed and recorded. Investigations and follow-up should largely be on a no-blame basis, as additional training and supervision will often resolve the issue.Outcomes need to optimise Animal Welfare and reduce animal wastage and may be reported to the AWERB.Record systemsTraining records, for use throughout the establishment will need to be developed and agreed by all NTCOs when more than one person holds this post. A standard format will require approval by the PELh/NPRC and or AWERB, where appropriate, who retains overall responsibility for the performance of the NTCO(s).Examples of training records that comply with the legislation can be found in the LASA Guiding Principles for Supervision and Assessment of Competence, along with examples of DOPS sheets but other compliance systems will also be acceptable, so long as it is clear what training has been undertaken, what further training/ supervision is required and what techniques a person is competent to perform without supervision.Records can be paper or electronic. If electronic, the system may be local bespoke or purchased from one of the systems commercially available. Training records should be readily available on request and accessible by all relevant staff, including the ASRU inspectors. Copies of training certiﬁcates should be retained within an individual’s training records but may also be held by the establishment in a centralised electronic/paper ﬁling system.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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108Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Whilst under ASPA the PILh must take responsibility for the maintenance of their own training, supervision, competence and CPD records, if the PILh is to move elsewhere (or work with secondary availability at another establishment) then the NTCOs of the two establishments will need to be in correspondence to conﬁrm the accuracy of the PILh training records being transferred. However the Data Protection Act and establishment in-house policies may need to be considered and followed.Keeping records up to dateWhilst each PILh is responsible for their own training record, the NTCO will be responsible for ensuring that the establishment is maintaining complete, accurate and up to date records of those working under the establishment licence. Individual records should be kept up to date by the learners themselves, in collaboration with their trainer and/or competence assessor and supervisor, as appropriate. The NTCO will need to review and check the records at a frequency which encourages learners and trained people to apply the local standards. With an effective recording system and staff engagement and support, an ASRU inspector should be unlikely to ﬁnd out of date, inaccurate or incomplete records. The NTCO may keep the original records or may have ready access to them. They should always be available to the NTCO whether or not the individual to whom the record belongs is on site.When individuals transfer from other establishments the NTCO will be responsible, in collaboration with the project licence holder, for checking and verifying training records and identifying any new training which might be required. Reassessment of competence of the procedures within the training record, when these are ﬁrst performed after the person has started at the new establishment, is strongly recommended, to verify skills and identify if there are any differing approaches between establishments.The NTCO is likely to be involved in maintaining an up to date list of those competent to kill by Schedule 1 methods on behalf of the PELh/NPRC as required by Section 2C Establishment Licence (PEL) condition 2. This will involve identifying new staff and ensuring they are trained and supervised and removing staff from the list who have left, or who, for whatever reason, are no longer competent.Supervision and competence AssessmentSupervision of personal licensees remains the responsibility of the project licence holder (PPL condition 6). As well as ensuring consistent quality of training and assessment of competence, the NTCO has a role in ensuring supervision is adequate across the establishment. It is expected that the NTCO will work with project licence holders to ensure that all personal licence holders working unsupervised are competent and that their individual records detail this information.Competence assessment should be objective, wherever possible using a different assessor to the trainer. For specialist techniques that are new to the establishment or where there are limited trainers available, consideration should be given to ﬁnding others outside the establishment who are already competent and able to provide support/advice. If this is not practicable, then someone with suitable skills and experience (for example the NVS) may invoke their acquired rights to act as a trainer/assessor, having had local discussions to deﬁne how competence will be judged.The EU Education and Training Framework document (p13) provides helpful suggestions relating to supervision. The LASA Guiding Principles for Supervision and Assessment of Competence will also be of help.Continuing Professional DevelopmentThe establishment should develop a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) strategy for all relevant staff.The undertaking of relevant CPD helps to ensure that techniques remain current and that good practice is understood and followed as far as is practicable. CPD should cover 3Rs issues as well as Animal Welfare and science at an appropriate level. The NTCO should be appropriately networked (or ensure that the NIO is doing this on their behalf) to maintain an awareness of opportunities and activities for education, training and CPD relevant to ASPA work. They should be able to identify relevant personnel and disseminate information to them and encourage attendance. Where there are budgetary constraints or more potential attendees than places available, involvement of PELh/NPRC, other managers, other Named People and/or the AWERB may be helpful in decision making.The NTCO will need to review records, perhaps in collaboration with supervisors/managers, to conﬁrm that CPD (in science, Animal Welfare and 3Rs) is achieved and clearly recorded. Most people have an annual review of performance, which may be used as a trigger to review these records. Regular observation of procedures and review of training records can help identify good practice for dissemination and issues where further advice or assistance may improve outcomes.Informal reviews and reporting by all staff with sight of procedures being performed and outcomes can assist the NTCO in achieving the desired goals. Other PILhs, NACWOs, animal care staff, PPLhs, and NVSs may also have a role in this. Good communications with these people should be maintained.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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109August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareThe NTCO should work with the AWERB to develop andmonitor the annual CPD strategy/opportunities for staff. The AWERB can have a signiﬁcant role in identifying issues requiring CPD, especially when it reviews unexpected adverse events.ReviewRegular review of the effectiveness of this role is critical to ensure that the function is being delivered effectively. As part of such a review it is essential for the PELh/NPRC to obtain feedback from all relevant staff. Those whose opinions should be sought, as they are expected to have regular interaction with the post holder, include PPLhs, PILhs, Animal Technologists, NACWO(s), NVS(s), PELh/ NPRC and AWERB members.CommunicationsGood internal communications are essential between the NTCO and all in the establishment.Regular communication with the PELh/NPRC is important and required by Section 2C Establishment Licence (PEL) condition 21. There should be a two-way ﬂow of information so that expectations are clear and that it is evident whether or not these expectations are being met.External communication streams should be in place with training organisations, other licensed establishments, the Home Ofﬁce and relevant external organisations such as the National Centre for the Replacement, Reﬁnement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA), Institute of Animal Technology (IAT), Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association (LAVA), Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and Understanding Animal Research (UAR). Communication with external colleagues through Named Persons’ Groups such as email discussion groups and/or attendance at meetings set up by the various organisations listed above is strongly recommended.Training for a NTCOWhat are the qualities of a good NTCO?To be an effective NTCO you will need to be approachable with very good communication skills, good organisational skills (including data management), sound judgement, an ability to manage time and skilled in positively inﬂuencing people who may not be within your line management.What does an NTCO need to know and understand?– The ASPA legislation and relevant sections (in detail) of the Guidance, along with how the regulations are implemented in practice.– Issues around the ethics of animal use in science.– The Three Rs and how these can be fully implemented in your establishment.– How the research processes and structures work in your establishment.– Relevant institutional policies in detail.– Principles of the local research programmes.– The national training and super vision requirements.– Where to access appropriate training in a timely manner for scientiﬁc and Animal Technologists.– How to manage conﬁdential data, including legal obligations.– Good computer skills.– In some circumstances it will be helpful to understand EU related requirements, e.g. for experienced scientists coming from abroad, and to keep abreast of training developments within the EU e.g. the Education and Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science –www.etplas.euInitial training for NTCOsMany new NTCOs will have already been involved with the ASPA system and will have completed formal training in their previous posts. Where a prospective post holder is already actively involved in the delivery of training, supervision or competence assessment, there may be no additional training needs.For those involved in a more administrative role (e.g. the coordination, conﬁrmation and recording of training), or for those without prior training experience, then some training will be necessary to properly perform the role. Such training is strongly recommended under Home Ofﬁce requirements.As a minimum, NTCOs should have undertaken:– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 1: Legislative framework.– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 2: Ethics, Animal Welfare and the three Rs (Level 1).– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 50: Introduction to the local environment (establishment).They should also have good knowledge of:– ASPA Guidance – with detailed understanding of Chapters 8, 9, 10.– EU Education and Training Framework (in general).– Local processes relating to the Home Ofﬁce licensing process for licence applications, amendments, standard exemptions, etc.– Knowledge of the species and procedures used within their establishment.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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110Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for NTCOs– Remain up to date on developments in education and training on laboratory animal science and welfare.– Follow the activities of the EU Education and Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science.– Maintain a basic understanding of teaching principles where training forms a part of the core role.– Maintain awareness of new methodologies and/or people who can assist in the delivery of training.– Attend events provided by accrediting bodies where relevant (e.g. the Train the Trainers day).– Attend meetings of relevance provided by IAT, LASA, LAVA, NC3Rs, RSPCA, UFAW etc.– Those NTCOs not already directly involved in training should visit the animal facilities.Named Information Ofﬁcer (NIO)What is the job? What are the responsibilities? Interactions of the NIOThe Establishment Licence holder/NPRC should support the role of the Named Information Ofﬁcer in determining how the requirements set out by the Home Ofﬁce (see the Guidance – Chapter 8.10) can be achieved efﬁciently and effectively. The role needs to be properly resourced and supported by senior management and AWERB where appropriate.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence HoldersEXTERNAL LIAISON ASSOCIATIONS – IAT, LASA LAVA, NC3Rs, RSPCA, etcPERSONAL LICENCEHOLDER (PILh)ANIMAL CARE STAFF AND ANIMALTECHNOLOGISTNIOPROJECT LICENCEHOLDER (PPLh)NAMED TRAINING AND COMPETENCY OFFICER (NTCO)ACCESS TO NEWSPAPERS, SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIESINTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS EG NEWSLETTER, WEBSITE, GROUP E-MAILSANIMALS IN SCIENCE COMMITTEE (ASC)NEWSPAPERS, SCIENTIFIC JOURNALSAWERBHOLTIFNACWO FORUM

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111August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareThe NIO will be involved in the coordination of access to information to those dealing with animals in the establishment, making sure information is disseminated regarding the species held, the procedures being performed and any other relevant information they may require.Who is the NIO?NIOs may be administrators or may come from a science or technical background. In some cases, the person will be familiar with some of the local activities but it is unlikely that any NIO will have a full understanding of all the activities undertaken for which they need to actively scope for information. However systems should be put in place to capture any new information being published and when presented with this, the NIO should be able to recognise where it may be relevant and to whom it should be disseminated.The role may be combined with that of the Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcer (NACWO), Home Ofﬁce Liaison Contact (HOLC), Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcer (NTCO) and/or Named Veterinar y Surgeon (NVS). In some cases, the Establishment Licence Holder (PELh)/NPRC may choose to retain the role. The AWERB members may contribute signiﬁcantly in assisting the NIO to meet the requirements of the role.There will need to be active involvement with the AWERB, generally by being a full member, to ensure that there is adequate communication and support for the role.Setting up information systemsThe NIO role provides focussed dissemination of information. To do this the NIO needs to determine who needs the information and provide it efﬁciently, in a format which the person needing the information can Core Role:lsetting up information systemslapplying the systemslongoing review of local processessThe Named Information Ofﬁcer (NIO) is responsible for ensuring that those dealing with animals in the establishment have access to information they need about the species held there and procedures being performed.use (including the appropriate level for knowledge/skills), being aware that different groups may respond to different approaches and being able to adapt accordingly.They will need to be able to provide guidance on where and how to search for information, or who to speak to, to enable such information to be accessed.The NIO should be able to assist Project Licence applicants and/or personal licensees to ﬁnd or search for information, or to be able to identify a specialist to assist – but they do not necessarily need to understand the key ﬁndings from such a search.The PELh/NPRC needs to ensure adequate liaison between Named People (Section 2C Establishment Licence (PEL) condition 21)). The NIO will need to take an active part in this communication to ensure that their contribution is effective and is in line with what is required by the PELh/NPRC. Such liaison usually includes regular face to face communication at an agreed frequency depending on the size of establishment and local expectations/requirements for the role. This will assist the NIO in identifying where information actively needs scoping but relies on them having access to good communication tools.The NIO should be in position to disseminate key information to the right people in a timely manner; generally, this would be in an electronic format. A system of focussed communication will be required e.g. notiﬁcation of new staff or personal licences to relevant people and after receipt of ASRU communications.It is imperative that the NIO is on the ASRU email circulation list to receive their regular newsletters. To receive the relevant mailings NIOs should contact ASRU Operational Relationship Management (see ASRU contacts).Applying the systemsWhat information to provideInformation may be provided in hard copy or electronic format and is likely to include:– ASPA – legislation and Guidance on the Act.– Local rules and information:– Handbooks and SOPs provided by the facility.– Local training module (EU Education and Training Framework document – Module 50).– Information on the biology, behaviour and welfare needs of the species used at the establishment.– Information on how to provide appropriate animal care and husbandry and promoting good Animal Welfare. Information should include minimum standards but recognises that these are minimum standards and therefore provide additional suggested good practice. Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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112Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020This should be done in close collaboration with NACWOs and is likely to include:– Code of Practice on the Housing and Care of Animals.– Relevant DEFRA Codes.– Specialist books on species held, particularly those relevant to scientiﬁc use of animals e.g. the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) ‘Handbook on the care and management of laboratory animals’, the IAT ‘Manual of Animal Technology’.– Refereed journals that publish papers on animal behaviour, welfare and reﬁnement, e.g. Laboratory Animals, Animal Technology and Welfare, Applied Animal Behaviour Science and Public Library of Science (PLoS).– Contacts at centres where behaviour and welfare research are conducted.– Information on implementing the 3Rs including:– Relevant guiding principles for good practice (e.g. IAT, LASA, LAVA, NC3Rs (inc. the ‘ARRIVE’ guidelines), RSPCA).– Publications relating to new scientiﬁc initiatives, technical advances.– Links to websites/databases such as NC3Rs, Go3Rs, ECVAM, Pubmed, Altweb, NORINA, etc.– Good practice relevant to types of work at the establishment e.g.:– Standard dosing/sampling websites.– Aseptic technique documents.– Assessing welfare/severity.– Outcomes of retrospective assessment, with lessons learnt, good and bad.– Information on AWERB membership, functions and its outcomes.– Home Ofﬁce newsletters and other communications.– Repor ts and other publications produced by the Animals in Science Committee (ASC).– Details of meetings/conferences/events where such information may be exchanged and a list of staff within the establishment to whom they may be relevant.– Repor ts from staff after attendance at meetings/conferences.Who to provide information to?To avoid information overload, information will need to be disseminated selectively and appropriately to:– PPL holders.– PIL holders.– Speciﬁc research/interest groups (e.g. species, research ﬁeld).– Named People.– Animal Technologists.– Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body members.The NIO may also be a channel for communicating information to/from others including:– External groups e.g. IAT/LASA/LAVA/NC3Rs/RSPCA/ UFAW.– Home Ofﬁce (e.g. ASRU licensing team and inspectors).– Animals in Science Committee (ASC) and AWERB Hub.How to provide informationThe methods used to disseminate information should facilitate access while reducing or avoiding information overload. They may include having a central repository for information that can be accessed by all concerned e.g. an intranet, SharePoint site or similar. The NIO will need to make sure that logical and intuitive subdivisions and ‘ﬁling’ are used to make access easy and that version control management is used (e.g. using clearly dated documents/pdfs) and to purge/delete/archive out-of-date or superseded documents.The use of emails can notify appropriate recipients of new relevant content. These should be brief and be directed only to relevant people. When sending papers or other information it may be helpful to summarise important points and use links to detail/documents/websites rather than duplicating other information.Face-to-face meetings on speciﬁc issues with particular individuals or groups allow discussion as well as imparting of information. 3Rs focussed journal club meetings between scientiﬁc groups and meetings between scientists and Animal Technologists can facilitate information dissemination.The NIO should report to the AWERB e.g. by formal report of relevant activities through a standing agenda item. The NIO is also likely to be involved in collating and disseminating relevant information from the meetings. This may involve reviewing AWERB and subgroup minutes to pick out individual packets of relevant information and then directing information out to relevant personnel.NIOs can play a role in retrospective reviews by collating ﬁndings of interest to others and disseminating improved practices internally and externally.ReviewRegular review of the effectiveness of this role is critical to ensure that the function is being delivered as expected. As part of such a review it is essential for the PELh/NPRC to obtain feedback from all relevant staff. Those whose opinions should be sought, as they are expected to have regular interaction with the post holder include, PPLhs, PILhs, Animal Technologists, NACWOs, NVSs, PELh/NPRC and AWERB members.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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113August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareWhat are the qualities of a good NIO?The person responsible for dissemination of information should be someone who proactively seeks information from other people, collects and collates this information and then enables others to access it.To be an effective NIO you will need to have good communication and networking skills and be a facilitator. You will need to be computer literate and well organised to ensure that the relevant information is available to those that need it when they need it.You will need to know where to ﬁnd current information on the 3Rs, including through networking or self-learning.You will need to:– Understand the main provisions of the ASPA legislation (including Guidance, Advice Notes and the Code of Practice on Housing and Care).– Be familiar with the species used and the types of research performed in the establishment.– Actively seek relevant information to disseminate, not just react to information requests.– Proactively make and maintain external contacts for information sharing:– Home Ofﬁce.– Specialist groups and bodies such as the ASC, IAT, LASA, LAVA, NC3Rs, UAR and Animal Welfare organisations.– Local contacts such as Named People and research interests of local groups.Training for a NIOSome NIOs will have already been involved in working under ASPA, either directly or alongside others and will already have completed formal training in their previous roles/posts, so additional training may not be needed. For those involved in the role without prior experience training is recommended, although not obligatory under Home Ofﬁce requirements. It is recommended that at least the modular training in the legislation, ethics and 3Rs should be completed:– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 1: Legislative framework.– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 2: Ethics, Animal Welfare and the three Rs (Level 1); this will help to obtain an understanding of legal and ethical aspects of use of animals for scientiﬁc purposes and also covers the concepts and principles the 3Rs.– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 50: Introduction to the local environment (establishment) which gives a good understanding of the local structure for management and responsibility relating to animal use at your establishment.– EU Education and Training Framework also suggests that the NIO completes aspects of Module 51 – Information provision and retrieval. When such a module exists, if not completed before the post is taken up, then this will be valuable CPD within the ﬁrst six months to a year depending on prior knowledge and skills, and extent of role and other local support.Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the NIOA working knowledge of the contents of the following document from the European Commission will assist in the delivery of the outcomes required: A working document on the availability of information on the Three Rs (2012).You may wish to extend your skills by:– Spending time reviewing the NC3Rs website and the links within it.– Completing a suitable training module covering how to search, source, retrieve and store information, and methods of searching (e.g. see links to FRAME or SYRCLE in the References section).– Receiving other training on information searching, storing and retrieval.– Spending time in discussion with knowledge management experts (e.g. information technologists, librarians).– Completing EU Education and Training Framework - Module 9: Ethics, Animal Welfare and the Three Rs (Level 2), a component of PPL training, which may be useful in extending the basic knowledge of ethics and legislation.– Attending a speciﬁc NIO training course.– Visiting animal facility/facilities.– Attending topic speciﬁc IAT/LASA/LAVA/NC3Rs/RSPCA/ UFAW meetings.– Membership of HOLTIF and NIO discussion groups.– Under taking soft skills training:l how to talk to people and inﬂuence theml team-workingl diplomacyGuiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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115August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareWho is the HOLC?The HOLC is the person within an establishment nominated to be the main liaison between the establishment and the Business Support and Licensing Team in the Home Ofﬁce’s Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU). The HOLC may also be the ﬁrst point of contact within an establishment for the ASRU Inspectors and ASRU Operational Relationship Management.The HOLC has an important administrative role on ASPeL (Animals in Scientiﬁc Procedure e-Licensing) system (see below).The role of HOLC may be combined with that of Named Information Ofﬁcer (NIO), Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcer (NACWO), Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcer (NTCO), or Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS).The role requires that the HOLC liaise with, at a minimum, all licensed staff and prospective applicants in the establishment to:Advise on licensing matters.– Ensure a robust and efﬁcient internal licensing application/amendment process.– Set up ASPeL invitations and logins.– Deliver/suppor t processes to ensure all licensees have access to relevant licences.– Monitor timely Returns of Procedures (ROPs) by all project licence holders.– Liaise with licensees submitting ROPs to the Home Ofﬁce and provide them with information and advice on completion as required.– Pass Home Ofﬁce communications to relevant person/ persons if they are the key contact for these – this would speciﬁcally include to the NIO where information is of relevance to them.– Ensure that delivery of key messages from ASRU newsletters are disseminated to relevant staff at the establishment – this may be a function shared with/devolved to the NIO.Additional communication may be required with others, such as those on the Schedule 1 register, depending on the extent of the role given to the HOLC.HOLCs may maintain and hold the following information on behalf of the PELh/NPRC:– Schedule of Premises.– Details of NACWOs and other Named People.– Schedule 1 register.In some cases, the HOLC may actively participate in the establishment’s AWERB. They may be a full time member and may also fulﬁl the secretariat role.Communications InternalGood internal communications are essential. There should be a two-way ﬂow of information between the HOLC and applicants/licensees.The HOLC is likely to perform most effectively within an establishment if they develop and nurture an effective working relationship with the PELh/NPRC and the establishment’s Named People. Regular communication by the HOLC with the PELh/NPRC will be of value, in particular when meetings of other Named People occur, to ensure the PELh/NPRC is kept informed.The HOLC will work closely with the PELh/NPRC and may be the designated deputy to that person.ExternalContact between the HOLC and the ASRU Licensing Team at the Home Ofﬁce should normally be through the ASRU Operational Relationship Management Lead, with whom the HOLC needs to develop and nurture an effective working relationship. Initially the ASRU Relationship Manager will contact the HOLC at a new establishment (by email or phone). HOLCs should participate in regular telephone calls from the ASRU Relationship Manager (known internally at ASRU as Field welfare calls) to build up a relationship with the HOLC – this relationship will minimise and prevent licensing issues.For any major issues, problems, or complaints the ASRU Operational Relationship Management Lead should be contacted direct by email.HOLCs are encouraged to develop relationships with other HOLCs to open a dialogue, share good practice and to identify procedures/processes that work well. Developing such relationships will also help to ensure smooth movement of PIL holders between establishments for example.The LASA HOLTIF (Home Ofﬁce Liaison, Training and Information Forum) can provide useful contacts and advice along with mutual support. Attendance at the annual LASA meeting or one of the regular HOLTIF meetings is encouraged and recommended. Virtual Teams meetings are held, generally four times a year, with attendance from ASRU. Separate member only virtual Teams meetings are also arranged as required. Presentations, minutes and action points from the meetings are circulated to the HOLTIF group, as appropriate.Developing links and engaging with other establishments and organisations e.g. NC3Rs, IAT, LASA, LAVA, RSPCA, UFAW and UAR may also be beneﬁcial but close communication with other Named People in the establishment is recommended to avoid overlap of efforts.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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116Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Setting up systemsIt is likely that the HOLC will communicate regularly with ASRU on administrative issues relating to licences, and occasionally on other matters e.g. annual fees invoices.It may be helpful for the HOLC to set up systems to track movements of PILhs wishing to work at a secondary location. This information should be shared with the NTCO and relevant PPLh at the establishment where work is to be carried out. This will allow the NTCO/PPLh for that establishment to check relevant licence authorities, ensure competency in the techniques to be carried out and provide training and supervision when necessary. HOLCs must ensure that shared information of a conﬁdential nature is treated appropriately.ASPeL (including interactions between HOLC and NTCO)Three speciﬁc roles within an establishment must be registered within the ASPeL system for it to operate. These are the:– Procedural Establishment Licence holder (PELh) (and where relevant also the NPRC).– Named Training and Competency Ofﬁcer/s (NTCO).– Home Ofﬁce Liaison Contact/s (HOLC/Admin).The PELh or NPRC can authorise the HOLC or Admin person to endorse on their behalf in ASPeL. The way the establishment operates may vary but the roles within the ASPeL system are clear. The HOLC/Admin can undertake the following tasks on ASPeL:– Invite new users (these may hold Named roles, require PILs or PPLs, or require access to PPLs as part of their work).– Block applicants.– Unblock applicants.– Submit PIL licence revocations.– Submit changes to approved areas.– Liaise outside the ASPeL system with other HOLCs regarding transfer of licences and secondary availability.The HOLC submits requests for individual user accounts to be set up in the system, by logging onto ASPeL, selecting ‘People’, invite user and entering the new applicant’s name and email address (this email address will be permanently associated with the user’s account and can only be changed by contacting ASPeL support). After this the applicant will receive a one-time only link to enable them to ﬁnish setting up their account which has to be completed within 7 days or the invitation must be re-sent. Other actions are done in the same way by the HOLC selecting one of the options under Tasks. Responsibilities for different tasks in ASPeL will vary subject to the speciﬁc responsibilities and other roles the HOLC may hold within the establishment and hence in ASPeL (e.g. as NTCO).Through ASPeL the HOLC will receive notiﬁcation when a PIL has been granted, when action is required for a new PPL application, when an amendment to an existing PPL requires further action and when an application/amendment is approved.The HOLC will also receive ASPeL notiﬁcations when amendments to the PEL are granted. Note, under ASPeL, PPL and PIL notiﬁcations will also go to the applicant/ licensee concerned.Local responsibilities relating both to applications in ASPeL (and Home Ofﬁce licences more generally) are likely to include the HOLC maintaining any local records that are required and informing speciﬁc colleagues (e.g. the NTCO, NACWO, NVS and PPL holder) when a new licence has been granted or an existing licence amended. Again, this will vary subject to local arrangements.The NTCO is responsible for verifying and conﬁrming that the applicant’s training details are accurate and for endorsing all PIL applications which are submitted in the system.The PELh/NPRCs role in ASPeL is to sign off both applications and amendments to establishment and project licences after they have been considered and received approval from the local AWERB. The endorsement of these licenses can be delegated by the PELh/NPRC to the HOLC or another Named Person with administration rights in ASPeL.Again, robust and structured local processes will be required to run, manage and record the AWERB’s input and to check PPL applications prior to their ﬁnal submission in ASPeL. The way that the HOLC coordinates these local processes (which have to be run outside the ASPeL system) will vary but it can be beneﬁcial for the HOLC to maintain some oversight of tasks in ASPeL to be sure that these are picked up and actioned by the appropriate person/s.Contact ASPeL Technical Enquiries for any questions regarding ASPeL functionality.Applying the systemsWhere urgent amendments to project licences are required contact ASRU Licensing directly, providing justiﬁcation for the urgent need, whilst at the same time submitting the amendment in ASPeL in the normal way.What are the qualities of a good HOLC?To be an effective HOLC you will need to be organised so that licence application and amendment systems run efﬁciently and effectively. You will need to have good communication skills and ideally be a facilitator. You will need to be computer literate.Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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117August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareYou will need to:– Be familiar with the main provisions of ASPA legislation.– Be aware where to ﬁnd relevant information in sections of the Guidance.– Have a detailed knowledge of ASPeL and the application and amendment processes.– Make contacts internally:– PELh/NPRC– NVS– NTCO– NIO– NACWO– AWERB Members– Make contacts externally:– ASRU Relationship Manager.– LASA HOLTIF – membership of LASA, although not a requirement of joining the HOLTIF, will also be extremely beneﬁcial.Training for a HOLCSome HOLCs may already have knowledge of ASPA and will already have completed formal training in their previous roles/posts, so there may be no additional training needed. For those involved in the role without prior experience then training is recommended although not obligatory under Home Ofﬁce requirements.It is recommended that HOLCs complete at least the modular training in the legislation, ethics and 3Rs.– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 1: Legislative framework.– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 2: Ethics, Animal Welfare and the three Rs (Level 1); this will help to obtain an understanding of legal and ethical aspects of use of animals for scientiﬁc purposes and also covers the concepts and principles the 3Rs.– EU Education and Training Framework – Module 50: Introduction to the local environment (establishment), which gives a good understanding of the local structure for management and responsibility relating to animal use at your establishment.The following will also be of beneﬁt:– Working knowledge of the ASPA Guidance.– Awareness of other relevant documents and where to ﬁnd them e.g. Code of Practice for the Housing and care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientiﬁc Purposes; ASRU Advice Notes from the guidance for the regulated community pages.– Collaboration with other HOLCs to develop an indepth working knowledge of ASPeL.– There will be value in visiting the establishment facilities to develop knowledge and understanding of work conducted at the establishment.Continuing Professional Development (CPD)Involvement with staff on a day to day basis will allow you to develop and maintain effective working relationships with them and to extend your knowledge of local working groups that involve relevant personnel, e.g. AWERB and NACWO meetings.Regular attendance at HOLTIF meetings and/or reading outputs from these will be of value.Reviewing/reading all Home Ofﬁce communications will be necessary.Contacting ASRUA number of ASRU dedicated mailboxes are available for:– Licensing– Enforcement– Standard Condition 18– Audit– ASPeL technical queries– Operational relationship management (for HOLTIF and complaints)– POLE notiﬁcationReferences and further readingHome Ofﬁce:Gov.uk – Animal Testing and research: guidance for the regulated communityGov.uk – Animals in Science Regulation Unit for the general publicAnimals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientiﬁc PurposesGuidance on the Operation of the (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986European Commission:Animals used for scientiﬁc purposesGuidance documents Including:– A working document on the availability of information on the Three Rs (2012) – A working document on the development of a common education and training framework (2014)– Education and Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (EU E-learning modules)Guiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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118Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Other:ARRIVE Guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments).FELASA FRAME HOLTIF GROUP contact LASA Secretariat for further details.IAT (including Guidance Notes on the Role of the Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcer – NACWO).LASA (publications including Guiding Principles for Supervision and Assessment of Competence as required under EU and UK Legislation).LASA/RSPCA Guiding Principles on Good Practice for Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies (2015 – 3rd Edition) NC3Rs. Norecopa (3Rs and training resources) Prepare Guidelines.RAT Research Animal Training – an interactive resource hub.Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – NVS roles, responsibilities and Code of Professional Conduct.RSPCA Animals in Science.SYRCLE network (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation.TrainingTraining courses are currently accredited by the following organisations:Royal Society of Biology – Accreditation BoardIATFELASAScottish Accreditation BoardUniversities Accreditation Group ANNEXE 1 – Training for Other Named PersonsFigure 5: Training for other Named Persons FunctionEU moduleNew UK mobilePEL holder/NPRCNVSNACWO NTCO NIO1. National legislationLRecommendedMandatory MandatoryRecommendedMandatory2. Ethics, Animal Welfare and the 3Rs (level 1)E1RecommendedMandatory MandatoryRecommended Recommended3.1 Basic and Appropriate Biology – Species Speciﬁc (theory)PILA (theory) (sp speciﬁc)As appropriateMandatory4. Animal Care, Health and Management – Species Speciﬁc5. Recognition of Pain, Suffering and Distress – Species Speciﬁc7. Minimally Invasive Procedures Without Anaesthesia – Species Speciﬁc (theory)3.2 Basic and Appropriate Biology – Species Speciﬁc (practical)PILA (skills) (sp speciﬁc)As appropriateMandatory8. Minimally Invasive Procedures Without Anaesthesia – Species Speciﬁc (skills)20. Anaesthesia for Minor ProceduresPILBAs appropriate21. Anaesthesia, Advanced e.g. for Surgical ProceduresPILCAs appropriate22. Principles of Surgery6.1 Humane Methods of Killing (theory)K (theory) Mandatory Mandatory6.2 Humane Methods of Killing (skills)K (skills) (sp speciﬁc)Recommended9. Ethics, Animal Welfare and the 3Rs (level 2)E2Mandatory MandatoryRecommended10. Experimental DesignPPLRecommended Recommended11. Design and Management of Procedures and Projects23. Animal Husbandry, Care and Enrichment PracticesNACWOMandatory24. Designated veterinarianNVSMandatory30. Introduction to the local environmentLocalRecommended Recommended Recommended Recommended RecommendedGuiding principles for Establishment Licence Holders

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119August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareDepth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows’ (Sus domesticus, L.) reproductive performance RUDY C. FLORESFaculty of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Bataan Peninsula State University Correspondence: rcﬂores@bpsu.edu.ph SPECIAL INTEREST SECTIONAugust 2023 Animal Technology and WelfareAbstractThis study evaluated the reproductive performance of 36 sows from the Large White x Landrace (F1) breed in a three-factor experiment using the following parameters; recycle percentage, conception rate, premature birth, farrowing rate, litter size born alive, stillbirths and birth weight as affected by insemination depth (Intra- uterine body and Intra- uterine horn) as Factor A, sperm concentration (±0.5 billion, ±1.0 billion and ±1.50 billion per dose) as Factor B and length of semen storage (24 hours and 48 hours) as Factor C using a modiﬁed boar semen extender. Signiﬁcantly higher farrowing rates, litter size born alive and average birth weight of piglets were achieved by Intra-uterine horn insemination as compared to Intra-uterine body insemination when sperm concentration was reduced to approximately ±0.50 – 1.50 billion per dose. It was found that sperm concentration can be reduced to about ±0.50 – 1.50 billion spermatozoa per dose if the semen is deposited farther into the sows’ uterine horns. The study proved that depth of insemination signiﬁcantly affected farrowing rate, litter size born alive and average birth weight of piglets (P<0.05 ), this was conﬁrmed by low sperm concentration inseminated deep into the uterine body (IUBI) and uterine horns (IUHI) with signiﬁcant improvement on the farrowing rate, litter size born alive and birth weight of piglets (P<0.05 ).Keywords: intra-cervical insemination, intra-uterine insemination, intra-uterine horn insemination, reproductive performance, sperm concentrationIntroductionThe actual industry performance of the Philippine swine industry was recorded with only 2.20 farrowing index, 81.06% farrowing rate, 10.17 litter size born alive, 1.42 kg average birth weight, 9.21 litter size at weaning, 7.05 average weaning weight and 20.41 weaned piglet per sow/year that was found lagging behind the target performance of 2.20/year farrowing index, 83% farrowing rate, 10.5 piglets born alive, 1.5 kg average birth weight, 9.78 litter size at weaning, 8.0 kg average weaning weight and 22 heads weaned piglet per sow/year.1 The poor adoption to modern technologies and few backyard swine farmers having access to superior or genetically improved breeder stock often result in low production and inadequate income. Compared with commercial swine raisers who can afford to buy superior parent stocks and could easily adopt genetic improvement, backyard swine producers rely only on nearby available or affordable stocks, without considering the genetic merits of the animal. They tend to raise swine from poor parental stocks resulting in poor performance. Artiﬁcial insemination has been utilised in the past so it is no longer a new technology. However, there is still no commercially available boar semen extender made locally. Most of the boar semen extenders used to process semen came from foreign countries. Likewise, the depth of deposition and the low sperm concentration are also not yet well known to the local swine raisers and these technologies when proven effective may be introduced to the pig farms to help improve the sows’ reproductive performance. These technologies involve the testing for artiﬁcial insemination the deposition of extended

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120Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020semen having a low concentration of sperm near the site of fertilisation in the uterine horns with a specially designed catheter to minimise the stress encountered by the sperm in traversing the reproductive tract from the cervix to the site of fertilisation.2 On the other hand, the deposition of lower sperm concentration extended semen stored for 24 to 48 hours that may only have a lower percentage of motility and viable semen right into or near the fertilisation site when proven effective or comparable with the usual insemination practices can also be useful to pig farmers.3 The above-mentioned situation of the present swine industry prompted the researcher to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows involving the application and testing of the aforementioned methods. The result may be able to help reduce the gap between the industry target and the local swine performance in the future, thus becoming more competitive in terms of proﬁt and technology. Generally, this study was conducted to determine the inﬂuence of insemination depth, sperm concentration and length of semen storage using a modiﬁed formulation of a boar semen extender on the reproductive performance of sows. Speciﬁcally, the study aimed to determine the reproductive performance of sows using the following parameters: average recycle/reheat, average conception rate, average abortion rate or premature birth, average farrowing rate, average litter size at birth and average birth weight of piglets born alive.MethodsA total of 36-head F1 sows (Sus domesticus) belonging to a cross between Landrace and Large white breed with an average of 2.54 years of age, having an average body size of 220 kg, a body conformation score of 3.0 that already gave birth 5.0 times were strictly selected from the 131 active sows in the commercial pig farm. The experimental sows were housed in a monitor type of building made of galvanized iron (G.I.) sheet rooﬁng and concrete ﬂooring with individual gestating stalls made of G.I. pipes measuring 0.65 cm x 250 cm. and a drinking nipples and feeder for each sow from the dry period until 104th day of gestation. The sows were transferred to the farrowing house 10 days before the expected day of giving birth in an elevated individual farrowing crate measuring 165 cm by 250 cm. To ensure the comfort of the sows, proper ventilation (300-500 cfm), lighting (0.6 watts/ft2) and temperature (24 - 26oC) were maintained inside the pig building.4The selected sows were randomly distributed in a three-factor experiment in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). The depth of insemination serves as Factor A, which includes Depth 1 (D1) Intra-uterine body insemination (IUBI) and Depth 2 (D2) Intra-uterine horns insemination (IUHI); Sperm concentration as Factor B, with ±0.5 Billion spermatozoa per dose (C1), ±1.0 Billion spermatozoa per dose (C2) and ±1.5 Billion spermatozoa per dose (C3)3 and the length of semen storage as Factor C that includes 24 hours (S1) and 48 hours (S2) of storage. Each treatment was replicated three times with one experimental sow per replication. A 1.5-year-old Pietrain-Duroc boar (Boar No.363) from the artiﬁcial insemination (AI) centre of the researcher was used solely as the source of semen used in the experiment. A daily balanced ration of 2.5 kg commercial breeder feeds with not less than (NLT) 16% crude protein (CP) with 2950 kcal of metabolisable energy (ME), 0.90% calcium (Ca) and 0.50% phosphorus (P) was given to the boar and a regular (2x monthly) dose of vitamin ADE was routinely administered to make sure that it produced high-quality semen.5The formulation of a boar semen extender utilised with slight modiﬁcation comprised the following ingredients: 1,000 ml distilled water, 40 mg dextrose powder, 1.0 mg penicillin-streptomycin, 20 ml pure honey, 5.0 mg egg yolk, 10.0 mg skimmed milk and 10.0 mg NaCl.6 The mixture was prepared and pre-warmed at a temperature of 36oC– 38oC before semen collection to obtain a stable pH and at least 33oC – 35oC temperature before mixing with the pure semen from the boar.7 Semen collection was done early in the morning after three days of abstinence to obtain good quality and viable sperm and prevent further stress on the boar and spermatozoa. During ejaculation, it was made sure that only the semen-rich fraction with a creamy white colour was collected and the other fractions were discarded. When ejaculation was ﬁnished, the boar was driven to his pen and given extra feeds as a reward after collection to encourage him to perform the job well in the next and succeeding collection. Laboratory testing was done to examine the amount (volume), opacity (clarity), colour, odour and turbidity (swirling) of the boar semen before processing it into different concentrations. The colour of the pure semen collected from the boar was evaluated through visual examination while it is still in the beaker. As per an examination, the semen possessed a creamy white colour that indicates very good quality. The motility of sperm is a measure of the viability of the semen, it involves assessing the proportion of sperm showing progressive forward motion. With the use of a binocular microscope, the motility of the sperm from a drop of semen sample was assessed under X100 and X400 magniﬁcation. The semen sample obtained a grade of 5.0, which means there was a wave motion and progressive forward-moving spermatozoa.8 The grade of semen after 24 hours of storage was 4.0, which means it was good; with some wave motion but, there was clumping of sperm, while the grade after 48-hour of storage obtained only a grade of 3.0, which means fair or there was no wave motion but clumping of sperm was observed. Grades of 2 or fair (wriggling sperms) and 1 or poor semen (dead or no moving sperm) were discarded. The percentage of progressively motile sperm differed signiﬁcantly between extenders and between preservation periods.9Depth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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121August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareA semen sample was brought to the Lab-Tech Diagnostic Centre for an examination of its density to determine sperm count before mixing with the prepared locally formulated boar semen extender into the designated sperm concentration in the study. The sperm count of the semen sample based on laboratory examination contains 281.6 million sperm/ml which was above the average sperm count of boar (200 million/ml). Dilution of the boar semen was done after evaluating its motility and sperm count. To obtain the desired concentration of sperm, these dilution rates were followed: Sperm concentration 1-2.0 ml of pure semen was diluted with 98.0 ml of the extender to contain an estimated ≥0.50 billion sperm, Sperm concentration 2-4.0 ml of pure semen was diluted with 96.0 ml of the extender to contain an estimated ≥1.0 billion sperm and Sperm concentration 3- 6.0 ml of pure semen was diluted with 94.0 ml extender to contain an estimated ≥1.50 billion sperm. Synchronisation of oestrus of the experimental sows was done by injecting two (2) ml of Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) intramuscularly into each sow after two (2) and three (3) days post-weaning. Oestrus detection was done early in the morning at around 07:00, before and after feeding through physical examination of the heat-induced sows to observe signs of oestrus such as reddening of the vulva, loss of appetite, restlessness and thick mucus discharge from the vulva. The best indication that the sow was already in standing heat and ready for insemination was when it exhibited pinning or elevation of ears, locking knees and elevating the back when applied pressure on its back or when a boar was present. Under the normal method of artiﬁcial insemination, the sperms require 30 minutes to eight hours in the female reproductive tract to reach the site of fertilisation and time to gain the ability to bind and penetrate an egg or what is called ‘capacitation’.8 Hence depositing the semen right into or near the site of fertilisation may reduce the effort of the spermatozoa in traversing from the cervix to the oviducts or fallopian tubes. Sows were inseminated with extended boar semen at 36 hours after the onset of oestrus using extended semen stored at 17-18oC within 24 and 48 hours.9 Before insemination, the semen was pre-heated to 37oC and sperm motility and survival were examined again under the microscope. During insemination, the vulva was cleaned using paper tissue to remove dirt. The tip of the catheter was lubricated using a non-spermicidal lubricant before insertion into the sow’s vulva. The catheter was gently inserted by guiding it with one hand with the tip pointed up, through the vagina to the cervix. A counterclockwise rotation was done to insert the catheter into the cervix until the tip was securely locked into the ﬁrst cervical ring. After making sure that the catheter already penetrated the cervix, an intra-uterine spirette was inserted into the catheter and pushed 4-6 inches forward until it reaches the junction of the uterine horns for intrauterine body insemination (D1) and another 6-8 inches forward for intra-uterine horns insemination (D2). The bottle of diluted semen was attached to the end of the intra-uterine spirette and the semen was discharged slowly. The semen bottle was squeezed gently to start the process, then the semen was allowed to be taken in by uterine contractions until the semen bottle was empty. The intra-uterine spirette was removed when all of the semen has been deposited.10 The sows were kept in quiet surroundings for 20-30 minutes to avoid disrupting the semen transport and fertilisation. To eliminate variations in management and other environmental factors aside from the treatments of the study, this experiment was done on a commercial farm. All experimental sows were selected from the 131 active sows of the Esconde pig farm using the criteria outlined in this experiment. Though having a speciﬁc management practice, the following production and management activities were done and followed during the duration of the experiment to facilitate proper data gathering:(a) Health management – Vitamin ADE was administered one week before weaning to enhance fertility by ensuring healthy ova in the ovary. All experimental sows were dewormed after weaning to eliminate endoparasites as well as ectoparasites. Vaccination was done to immunise the sow against common swine diseases in the area like Parvovirus (PPV), Leptospirosis, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (APP) and Hog Cholera virus (HCV). (b) Feeding – Flushing or giving additional ration to the sow at least one week before breeding was done to help her recover from the previous lactation. But on the day of insemination, the sows were not provided with their ration to give enough space during fertilisation. Feeding was done the following day with commercial gestating sow feeds containing NLT 14% crude protein (CP), 2850 kcal metabolisable energy (ME), 1.0% calcium (Ca) and 0.50% phosphorus (P) with the amount of 2.0 kilograms per sow/day to day 83 of gestation. An additional amount of 0.50 kg of feeds in the ration was given to all experimental sows when they reached the 84th day of gestation until the 107th day since the developing foetuses need more nutrients at this stage to grow better. Reduction in feed ration commenced from the 110th day, at least 0.5 kilograms of the sows’ ration per day was reduced until that there was no ration during the actual farrowing date to avoid constipation and excessive milk production causing mammary problems and diarrhoea in piglets. Lactating sow feeds containing 16% CP, 3000 kcal ME, 1.2% Ca and 0.50% P were provided after 24 hours and gradually increased from 1.0 kg, 2.0 kg, 3.0 kg and 4.0 kg per day from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th day, respectively. A 2.5 kg/day maintenance ration for sow plus 0.25 kg per piglet was also observed during feeding.5 Plenty of clean Depth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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122Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020drinking water was also provided using a nipple drinking system to make sure that the sows can drink every time they want. All data gathered were analysed for the analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using the Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research software. Pairwise mean comparison among treatment means was determined using the Least Signiﬁcant Difference (LSD) test. ResultsThe reproductive performance of the sows was evaluated in terms of the percentage of reheat/recycle, conception rate, abortion rate, farrowing rate, litter size born alive, average birth weight of piglets and stillbirth. Economic analysis was done based on the cost incurred per piglet and the estimated net income and return on investment per piglet born alive.On the percentage of reheat/recycle, intra-uterine body inseminated (D1) sows had an abortion rate ranging from zero to 66.67% while intra-uterine horns inseminated (D2) sows had zero to 33.33% with an average of 13.39% reheat/recycle from the 36 sows that were 3.39% higher than the industry standard of 10.0%. Differences in the percentage of reheat/recycle as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, sperm concentration and length of semen storage were not signiﬁcant and no interaction effect among independent variables.Regarding the conception rate, depth of insemination, the concentration of sperm and length of semen storage did not signiﬁcantly inﬂuence the rate of conception. However, there were four treatments (D1C1S2, D1C3S1, D2C2S2 and D2C3S2) that fell beyond the swine industry target of 90%. Abortion or premature birth was signiﬁcantly affected by the depth of insemination but had no signiﬁcant effect on sperm concentration and length of semen storage. There was no interaction observed among the three independent variables in terms of abortion or premature birth.The farrowing rate was signiﬁcantly affected by the depth of semen introduction inside the sows’ reproductive organs (D2- 88.89%, D1- 50.00%). Neither concentrations of sperm nor length of semen storage affected the farrowing rate of the sows. However, there were ﬁve treatments (D1C2S1, D2C1S1, D2C1S2, D2C2S1 and D2C3S1) attained 100.0% farrowing rates that were 17.0% higher than the Philippine Swine Industry target of 83.0% farrowing.1 The depth of insemination signiﬁcantly affected the size of the litter which included piglets born alive and stillbirths. Concentrations and length of semen storage, however, did not affect the litter size. A signiﬁcant difference in the birth weight of piglets between Depth 1 (IUBI) and Depth 2 (IUHI) was observed (1.72 kg and 1.47 kg). Wherein sperm concentrations and length of storage did not signiﬁcantly affect the weight of piglets at birth (range is 1.27 kg- 1.88 kg). Most of the treated sows had performed equal and better than the industry target except for the three treatments (D1C3S1, D2C1S1 and D2C2S1) that failed to reach the Philippine Swine Industry target of 1.5 kg birth weight.1 Interestingly, no incident of a mummiﬁed foetus was noted. Depth, concentration and storage of semen were observed to be non-bearing variables in the mummiﬁcation of the foetus. Discussion Mean Reheat/Recycle. The result of the study presented in Table I showed that in Depth 2 (intra- uterine horns insemination -IUHI), no signiﬁcant difference existed in treatment means, posting a mean value of 11.11%. Conversely, the same observation was found among sows subjected to Depth 1 (intra-uterine body insemination- IUBI) with a mean value of 16.67%. The number of sperm introduced to the uterine body and uterine horns was tested based on concentration as follows: Concentration 1 (C1) with an estimated ±0.5 billion sperm cells, Concentration 2 (C2) with ±1.0 billion sperm cells and Concentration 3 (C3) ±0.5 billion sperm cells. No signiﬁcant difference was observed in the sperm concentrations wherein C1 and C2 obtained the same mean of 8.33% followed by C3 with 25% of the sows observed to return to oestrus or recycled. This ﬁnding was also observed when the number of sperm and site of deposition did not affect the pregnancy of the experimental sows.11 Likewise, intrauterine insemination can be successfully performed provided that at least 0.5 billion sperm cell dose is infused at an interval of 0–24 hours before ovulation.12 Sperm storage was divided into two time-bound after processing where, Storage 1 (S1) was for 24 hours while Storage 2 (S2) was for 48 hours of storage. Both S2 and S1 exhibited no signiﬁcant difference with the means of 11.11% and 16.67% of sows that returned to oestrus, respectively. As found in the analysis of variance, there were no signiﬁcant interactions noted among depths, concentration and storage of sperm on the percentage of sows that returned to oestrus. Moreover, the combined effects of the three factors failed to inﬂuence the reproductive performance of sows in terms of return to oestrus or reheat as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, the concentration of sperm and length of semen storage. Mean Conception Rate. The depth of insemination presented in Table I did not affect the conception rate of the sows. Depth 2 (IUBI) with a mean value of 88.89% and Depth 1 (IUHI) with an 83.33% conception rate indicated no signiﬁcant differences between Intra-uterine body insemination and intra-uterine horns insemination. The result of the present study was observed that deep intra- uterine insemination provides acceptable fertility in weaned sows.10 However, deep intra-uterine AI (DIU-AI) yielded low fertility probably owing to an unsatisfactory Depth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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123August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareTreatmentReheat (%)Conception rate (%)Abortion rate (%)Depth of Insemination (Factor A)D1- Intra-Uterine body Insemination (IUBI)16.67 83.33 33.33 D2- Intra-Uterine horns Insemination (IUHI)11.11 88.89 0.00Sperm Concentration (Factor B)C1- ±0.5 Billion/dose8.33 91.67 33.33C2- ±1.0 Billion/dose8.33 58.33 8.33C3- ±1.5 Billion/dose25.00 75.00 8.33Length of Semen Storage (Factor C)S1- 24 hours 11.11 77.78 11.11S2- 48 hours 16.67 83.33 22.22Depth x Concentration:D1C1- IUBI, ±0.5 Billion/dose16.67 83.33 66.67D1C2- IUBI, ±1.0 Billion/dose0.00 100.00 16.67D1C3- IUBI, ±1.5 Billion/dose33.33 66.67 16.67D2C1- IUHI, ±0.5 Billion/dose0.00 100.00 0.00D2C2- IUHI, ±1.0 Billion/dose16.67 83.33 0.00D2C3- IUHI, ±1.5 Billion/dose16.67 83.33 0.00Depth x Storage:D1S1- IUBI, 24 hours22.22 77.78 22.22D1S2- IUBI, 48 hours11.11 88.89 44.44D2S1- IUHI, 24 hours0.00 100.00 0.00D2S2- IUHI, 48 hours22.22 77.78 0.00Depth x Concentration x Storage:D1C1S1- IUBI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours0.00 100.00 66.67D1C1S2- IUBI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours33.33 66.67 66.67D1C2S1- IUBI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 24 hours0.00 100.00 0.00D1C2S2- IUBI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 48 hours0.00 100.00 33.33D1C3S1- IUBI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours66.67 33.33 0.00D1C3S2- IUBI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours0.00 100.00 33.33D2C1S1- IUHI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours 0.00 100.00 0.00D2C1S2- IUHI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours0.00 100.00 0.00D2C2S1- IUHI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 24 hours0.00 100.00 0.00D2C2S2- IUHI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 48 hours33.33 66.67 0.00D2C3S1- IUHI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours0.00 100.00 0.00D2C3S2- IUHI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours33.33 66.67 0.00Philippine Swine Industry Target/ Standard10.00 80.00 5.00F testFactor A ns ns *Factor B ns ns nsFactor C ns ns nsA x B ns ns nsA x C ns ns nsB x C ns ns nsA x B x C ns ns nsCV, % 200Table 1. Mean reheat, conception rate and abortion rate of sows as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, sperm concentration and length of semen storage.ns – not signiﬁcant * – signiﬁcantDepth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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124Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020TreatmentFarrowing rate (%)Litter size born alive (LSBA)Birth weight (kg)Depth of Insemination (Factor A)D1- Intra-Uterine body Insemination (IUBI)50.00 4.39 1.72D2- Intra-Uterine horns Insemination (IUHI)88.89 8.06 1.47Sperm Concentration (Factor B)C1- ±0.5 Billion/dose58.33 5.17 1.53C2- ±1.0 Billion/dose83.33 7.75 1.53C3- ±1.5 Billion/dose66.67 5.67 1.52Length of Semen Storage (Factor C)S1- 24 hours 77.78 7.28 1.52S2- 48 hours 61.1 5.17 1.57Depth x Concentration:D1C1- IUBI, ±0.5 Billion/dose16.67 4.00 1.76D1C2- IUBI, ±1.0 Billion/dose83.33 7.34 1.67D1C3- IUBI, ±1.5 Billion/dose50.00 4.50 1.60D2C1- IUHI, ±0.5 Billion/dose100.00 9.00 1.51D2C2- IUHI, ±1.0 Billion/dose83.33 8.17 1.39D2C3- IUHI, ±1.5 Billion/dose83.33 6.50 1.56Depth x Storage:D1S1- IUBI, 24 hours55.56 6.78 1.61D1S2- IUBI, 48 hours22.22 5.67 1.73D2S1- IUHI, 24 hours100.00 9.56 1.44D2S2- IUHI, 48 hours77.78 6.55 1.52Depth x Concentration x Storage:D1C1S1- IUBI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours33.33 8.00 1.76D1C1S2- IUBI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours0.00 0.00 0.00D1C2S1- IUBI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 24 hours100.00 8.67 1.75D1C2S2- IUBI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 48 hours66.67 6.00 1.58D1C3S1- IUBI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours33.33 3.67 1.32D1C3S2- IUBI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours66.67 5.33 1.88D2C1S1- IUHI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours 100.00 8.67 1.44D2C1S2- IUHI, ±0.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours100.00 9.33 1.58D2C2S1- IUHI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 24 hours100.00 11.33 1.27D2C2S2- IUHI, ±1.0 Billion/dose, 48 hours66.67 5.00 1.50D2C3S1- IUHI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 24 hours100.00 8.67 1.62D2C3S2- IUHI, ±1.5 Billion/dose, 48 hours66.67 5.33 1.50Philippine Swine Industry Target/ Standard83.00 10.5 1.50F testFactor A * * *Factor B ns ns nsFactor C ns ns nsA x B * ns *A x C ns ns nsB x C ns ns nsA x B x C ns ns nsCV, % 58.79 65.28 62.32Table 2. Mean farrowing rate, litter size born alive and birth weight as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, sperm concentration and length of semen storage.ns – not signiﬁcant * – signiﬁcantDepth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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125August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfaresperm transport when expected and real ovulation differs; and fertility is related to the interval between DIU-AI and ovulation which should be less than 8 hours to less than 4 hours spontaneous ovulation.14 Concentration 1, posted a mean of 91.67% conception rate, Concentration 3 had a mean of 75.00% and 58.33% from Concentration 2. The conception rate of the sows was not affected by the concentration of sperm as seen in the analysis of variance. This conforms to the result that insemination of low sperm numbers did not adversely affect sow fertility and this lack of effect was independent of the site of sperm deposition.14 Results that obtained a 20-60-fold reduction in the number of spermatozoa inseminated and at least an 8-10-fold reduction in the dose volume can be used without affecting fertility if spermatozoa are deposited deep (middle or upper) into one of the uterine horns.2 It was also noted that none of the covariates differed signiﬁcantly and there were no signiﬁcant interactions with treatment and concluded that trans-cervical insemination in the sow allows the sperm dose to be reduced to 1 billion spermatozoa.15 Further noted was that pregnancy and farrowing rates did not differ signiﬁcantly except at the lowest sperm concentration if inseminated 32 hours or 38 hours after Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) treatment.16 A mean of 83.33% conception rate was noted in S2 while 77.78% in S1. The number of hours of storing semen before it was introduced to the sows has no signiﬁcant effect on the conception rate of sows as seen in the analysis of variance. This was supported by a conclusion that supplementation of skimmed milk in semen extender stored at 5°C for 2 weeks showed signiﬁcantly higher fertilisation rates of spermatozoa.17 No interaction effect was observed on the three independent variables as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, sperm concentration and length of semen storage on the reproductive performance of sows. This means that semen can be stored from 24 up to 48 hours since no signiﬁcant difference existed. This ﬁnding is very important to AI technicians since they could have ease in using semen in case there is excess semen during their AI servicing works.Mean Abortion Rate. It was observed in the data presented in Table 1 that D1C2S1, D1C3S2, D2C1S1, D2C1S2, D2C2S1, D2C2S2, D2C3S1 and D2C3S2 experienced no abortion while D1C2S2 and D1C3S2 had an abortion rate of 33.33%, followed by D1C1S1 and D1C1S2 with an abortion rate of 66.67%, which were higher than the industry standard rate of 2.0 % abortion. Abortion or premature birth rate was signiﬁcantly affected by the depth of semen deposition inside the sow’s reproductive organ. D2 posted a zero-abortion rate compared to D1 with a 33.33% rate of abortion. Analysis of variance proved that there existed a signiﬁcant difference between the two depths of insemination. Pairwise mean comparison on the depth of insemination indicated a highly signiﬁcant difference between D1 and D2 when subjected to LSD as the measure of comparison among means. The ﬁndings in this experiment support the ﬁndings in the study where they observed that no spermatozoa were found in ova ﬂushed from oviducts of the ligated uterine horn and no fertilisation occurred, respectively.18 A combination of low sperm numbers and potentially compromised developmental capability of embryos may have resulted in the early-stage loss of pregnancy.19 Wherein in this present study intra- uterine horns insemination (IUHI), posted an abortion rate of 11.11% and intrauterine body insemination (IUBI) with a 38.39% abortion. As to the concentration of sperm, C2 and C3 had the same mean of 8.33% abortion while C1 had the highest abortion rate of 33.33%. It was noted that there existed no signiﬁcant differences among concentrations of sperm used in the study. It was noted that S1 had a lower abortion rate of 11.11%. Although the longer storage period of 48 hours (S2) had a higher percentage of abortion (22.22%), the analysis of variance proved no signiﬁcant effect to sow abortion. There had been no interaction effect on the depth, concentration and storage of semen when it comes to the mean rate of abortion as per the result of this experiment as supported by the analysis of variance.Mean Farrowing Rate. As presented in Table II, the mean farrowing rate of the experimental sows as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, sperm concentration and length of semen storage was signiﬁcantly affected by the depth of semen introduction inside the sow’s reproductive organ. Depth 2 (IUHI) obtained an 88.89% farrowing rate compared to Depth 1 (IUBI) with only a 50.00% rate of farrowing. Analysis of variance proved that there existed signiﬁcant differences between the two depths of insemination. Pairwise mean comparison on the depth of insemination indicated signiﬁcant differences between D1 and D2 when subjected to LSD as the measure of comparison among means. This indicates that the farrowing rate of sows was affected by the depth of semen insemination.Accordingly fertilisation failure mostly due to the absence of sperms in the oviducts, is a major cause of reproductive inefﬁciency in animals.20 A ﬁnding also stated that farrowing rates did not differ signiﬁcantly between Cervical Artiﬁcial Insemination (CAI) and post-Cervical Artiﬁcial Insemination (post-CAI) inseminated sows.21 Concentration 2 obtained the highest farrowing rate of 83.33% followed by Concentration 3 and Concentration 1 with 66.67% and 58.33% farrowing rates, respectively.It was revealed from the analysis of variance that no signiﬁcant difference in the concentration level affected the farrowing rate. Farrowing rates after deep intra-uterine insemination with 1.5 billion to 500 million spermatozoa did not differ from that of the control group.22 It was also noted that the placement of semen at the beginning of the uterine horn with conventional volumes and spermatozoa numbers produces results similar to the placement of semen in the cervical cavity.23 A non-signiﬁcant effect was noted on the length of the Depth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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126Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020storage of semen relative to the farrowing rate based on the analysis of variance. It was suggested that the lack of effect on sow fertility was due to the non-lethal sperm cryo-injury affecting fertility involving more than just cryo-capacitation when they found out that farrowing rates were lower following intra-fallopian tube inseminations with no effect on the time of insemination.24 A signiﬁcant interaction effect was observed in the depth of insemination and sperm concentration. The use of deep intrauterine insemination with a specially designed catheter, a 20-fold reduction in the number of freshly and diluted inseminated spermatozoa can be achieved without decreasing farrowing rates.3 In this study, the semen introduced in the fallopian tube had probably reached the ova in a shorter period than those introduced farther from the source of the ova, thus affecting farrowing rates. Meanwhile, there was no signiﬁcant interaction among depth, concentration and storage as reﬂected in the analysis of variance observed from the study, wherein D1C2S1 (IUHI) with approximately 1.0 billion sperm cells stored for 24-hour), D2C1S1 (IUBI with 0.5 billion sperm stored for 24-hour), D2C1S2 (IUBI with 0.5 billion sperm stored for 48-hour), D2C2S1 (IUBI with 1.0 billion sperm stored for 24-hour) and D2C3S1 (IUHI with 1.5 billion sperm stored for 24-hour) obtained the same farrowing rates of 100%, which is 17% above the industry standard of 83%, while D1C2S2, D1C3S2, D2C2S2 and D2C3S2 resulted in a 66.67% farrowing rate, D1C1S1 and D1C3S1 both posted 33.33% and the lowest rate was obtained by D1C1S2 with zero percent farrowing rate that fell behind the Philippine swine industry standard.Mean Litter Size Born Alive. The mean litter size born alive of the experimental sows as inﬂuenced by insemination depth, the concentration of sperm and length of semen storage as reﬂected in Table 2, only D2C2S1 with 11.33 piglets had reached above the swine industry target of 10.5 piglets/litter. All the remaining treatments failed to perform well to attain the industry target. As shown in the table (Table 2), D1 had a mean of 8.06 piglets per litter while D2 posted a mean of 4.39 piglets per litter. Analysis of variance proved that there was a signiﬁcant difference between D1 and D2. This was supported by a ﬁnding that the total number of piglets born differed signiﬁcantly between cervical insemination and post-cervical insemination.21 The preliminary results indicated that the application of deep intra-uterine insemination provides acceptable fertility in weaned sows. The mean litter size as affected by sperm concentration shows that C2, C3 and C1 obtained means of 7.75, 5.67 and 5.17 piglets per litter, respectively. Although the highest (7.75) was obtained from C2 and the lowest litter size by C1 (5.17), no signiﬁcant difference was noted as regards the concentration of sperm, while normal farrowing rates and litter sizes can be obtained after insemination with a small number of spermatozoa.25 The 24-hour storage (S1) of sperm was noted to produce a higher litter size with a mean of 7.28 piglets per litter compared with the 48-hour length of storage (S2) with a mean of 5.17 piglets per litter. The higher mean of S1 was not signiﬁcantly different from S2. This result suggests that the length of semen storage did not affect the litter size (born alive, stillbirth) produced by the experimental sows. There was no signiﬁcant interaction effect on the depth, concentration and storage of semen on the litter size as proven in the analysis of variance. Mean Birth Weight of Piglets. As reﬂected in Table 2, six treatments performed better than the swine industry standard of 1.50 kg, these include D1C1S1-1.76 kg, D1C2S1-1.75 kg, D1C2S2-1.58 kg, D1C3S2-1.88 kg, D2C1S2 -1.58 kg and D2C3S1-1.62 kg. Treatments D2C2S2 and D2C3S2 results (1.50 kg) are equal to the swine industry target while the other treatments (D2C1S1, D1C3S1, D2C2S1 and D1C1S2 with 1.44 kg, 1.32 kg, 1.27 kg, respectively) obtained an average birth weight below the swine industry target. A signiﬁcant difference between D1 and D2 existed. Piglets born from sows subjected to IUBI had a higher mean of 1.72 kg birth weight that differed signiﬁcantly from IUHI with a mean birth weight of 1.47 kg. Presently, there is no available literature related to the depth of artiﬁcial insemination and the weight of piglets born alive. The signiﬁcant difference observed will provide basic ideas for future research on the depth of semen and the weight of piglets born alive. A non-signiﬁcant difference was noted in the concentration of sperm (C1, C2 and C3) relative to the weight of piglets born alive where C1 and C2 had obtained means of 1.53 kg for both and C3 had means of 1.52 kg birth weight. The mean on the weight of piglets born alive as affected by the length of semen storage was noted that S2 had a little bit higher mean of 1.57 kg than S1 with a mean of 1.52 kg birth weight, however, no signiﬁcant effect was revealed on the analysis of variance. Based on the analysis of variance, there was a signiﬁcant effect observed on the depth of semen insemination with sperm concentration. As noted, the depth of semen deposition and concentration will affect the mean live weight of piglets born alive. No interaction effect among the three independent variables was noted based on the data and analysis of variance. Based on the above-mentioned ﬁndings in this study, the following conclusions were drawn: generally, the deposition of semen into the uterine body and uterine horns signiﬁcantly affected the abortion rate, farrowing rate, litter size born alive and birth weight of piglets. Depth 2 or IUHI is more advantageous than Depth 1 (IUBI) when semen was stored for more than 24 hours in terms of farrowing rates, litter size born alive and birth weight of piglets. The use of ±1.0 billion spermatozoa/dose stored for 24 hours that produced the most number of piglets per litter deposited into the uterine horns (IUHI) of the sow can be recommended for artiﬁcial insemination. As noted, the depth of semen deposition and concentration will affect the mean live weight of piglets born alive. Sperm concentration can be reduced to approximately ±0.5- 1.50 billion spermatozoa/dose Depth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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127August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfareprovided these will be deposited farther into the sows’ uterine horns. The boar semen that was extended using the modiﬁed formulation of the boar semen extender can be used even for 48 hours of storage at 17oC for IUBI and IUHI. Acknowledgement The author expresses his sincere thanks to Maria Teresa Esconde for allowing him to conduct this experiment on her swine farm and to the farm technicians who helped him during the conduct of this study.References1 Calud, A.T., Apo, L.T., Villar, E.C., & Tamisin, K.Q. (2016). Philippine Swine Industry Research and Development Foundation, Inc. and PCAARRD-DOST. The (2015) Swine Production Performance in the Philippines: (2016): 3-27.2 Martinez, E.A., Vazquez, J.M., Roca, J., Lucas, X., Gil, M.A., & Vazquez, J.L. (2000). Deep intrauterine insemination and embryo transfer in pigs. Reproduction (Cambridge, England) Supplement 58: 301-311.3 Vazquez, J.M., Martinez, E.A., Roca, J., et al. (2005). Improving the efﬁciency of sperm technologies in pigs: the value of deep intrauterine insemination. Theriogenology 63, no. 2: 536-547.4 Paul B. Thompson, Professor W.K. Kellogg Chair in Agricultural, Food and Community Ethics Department of Philosophy Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.5 Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (PHILSAN). (2010). Feed Reference standard. 4th Edition.6 Salas, J.M. & Flores, R.C. (2017). Survivability of Boar (Sus domesticus L.) Spermatozoa using Alternative Low-cost Semen Extenders. BPSU Agriculturists, 1(1): 28-42.7 Vyt, P., Maes, D., Dejonckheere, E., Castryck, F., & Van Soom, A. (2004). Comparative study on ﬁve different commercial extenders for boar semen. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 39(1): 8-12.8 Banerjee, G.C. (1999). A Textbook of Animal Husbandry. 7th edition: 212-255.9 Lalrintluanga, K., Deka, B.C., Nath, K.C., Hmar, L., Bhuyan, D., & Biswas, R.K. (2016). Effect of Different Extenders on the Quality of Boar Semen during Preservation at 18°C. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach & Studies: 3(1).10 Roca, J., Carvajal, G., Lucas, X., Vazquez, J.M., & Martinez, E.A. (2003). Fertility of weaned sows after deep intrauterine insemination with a reduced number of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Theriogenology, 60(1): 77-87.11 Rath, D., Knorr, C., & Taylor, U. (2016). Communication requested: Boar semen transport through the uterus and possible consequences for insemination. Theriogenology, 85(1): 94-104.12 Mezalira, A., Dallanora, D., Bernardi, M.L., Wentz, I., & Bortolozzo, F.P. (2005). Inﬂuence of Sperm Cell Dose and Post-insemination Backﬂow on Reproductive Performance of Intrauterine Inseminated Sows. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 40(1): 1-5.13 Wongtawan, T., Saravia, F., Wallgren, M., Caballero, I., & Rodríguez-Martínez, H. (2006). Fertility after deep intra-uterine artiﬁcial insemination of concentrated low-volume boar semen doses. Theriogenology 65(4): 773-787.14 Pelland, C., Cassar, G., Kirkwood, R., & Friendship, R. (2008). Fertility after intrauterine insemination with conventional or low numbers of spermatozoa in sows with synchronized ovulation. Journal of Swine Health and Production 16(4): 188.15 Watson, P.F., & Behan, J.R. (2002). Intrauterine insemination of sows with reduced sperm numbers: results of a commercially based ﬁeld trial. Theriogenology 57(6): 1683-1693.16 Krueger, C., Rath, D., & Johnson, L.A. (1999). Low dose insemination in synchronized gilts. Theriogenology 52(8): 1363-137317 Namula, Z., Sato, Y., Kodama, R., et al. (2013). Motility and fertility of boar semen after liquid preservation at 5°C for more than 2 weeks. Anim Sci J. 2013 Aug;84(8):600-6. doi: 10.1111/asj.12049. Epub 2013 Mar 24. PMID: 23607795.18 Bruessow, KP., Torner, H., & Ratky, J. (2011). Sperm migration in pigs after deep intrauterine and intra-peritoneal insemination. Journal of Reproduction and Development 57(3): 342-345.19 Bathgate, R., Grossfeld, R., Susetio, D., et al. (2008). Early pregnancy loss in sows after low dose deep uterine artiﬁcial insemination with sex-sorted, frozen- thawed sperm. Animal reproduction science 104(2): 440-444.20 Hawk, H.W. (1983). Sperm survival and transport in the female reproductive tract. Journal of Dair y Science 66(12): 2645-266021 Roberts, P.K. & Bilkei, G. (2005). Field Experiences on Post-cervical Artiﬁcial Insemination in the Sow. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 40(5): 489-491.22 Martinez, E.A., Vazquez, J.M., Roca, J., et al. (2002). Minimum number of spermatozoa required for normal fertility after deep intrauterine insemination in non-sedated sows. Reproduction 123(1): 163-170.23 Rozeboom, K.J., Reicks, D.L., & Wilson, M.E. (2004). “The reproductive performance and factors affecting the on-farm application of low-dose intrauterine deposit of semen in sows. Journal of Animal Science 82(7): 2164-2168.24 Abad, M., Garcia, J.C., Sprecher, D.J., et al. (2007). Effect of insemination–ovulation interval and addition of seminal plasma on sow fertility to insemination of cryo-preserved sperm. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 42(4): 418-422.25 Martinez, E.A., Vazquez, J.M., Roca, J., et al. (2001). Successful non-surgical deep intrauterine insemination with small numbers of spermatozoa in sows. Reproduction 122(2): 289-296.Depth of insemination, sperm concentration and length of storage inﬂuenced sows reproductive performance

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128Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Animal Technology and Welfare August 2023PAPER SUMMARY TRANSLATIONSCONTENU DE LA REVUERapport de la réunion 2022 du Groupe de protection des rongeurs de la RSPCA/UFAWCHLOE STEVENS, TAYLA HAMMONDS, JUSTYNA HINCHCLIFFE, JOANNE MAINS, CLAIRE ROBINSON, JASMINE CLARKSON, MATTHEW LEACH, AMANDA BULMER ET CLAIRE PEARCECorrespondance: chloe.stevens@rspca.org.ukRésumé Le Groupe de protection des rongeurs de la RSPCA/UFAW tient une réunion d’une journée chaque automne depuis 29 ans, aﬁn que ses membres puissent discuter des recherches actuelles sur le bien-être, échanger des points de vue sur les questions de bien-être et partager les expériences de mise en œuvre des 3R de remplacement, de réduction et de rafﬁnement en ce qui concerne l’utilisation des rongeurs.Cette réunion, qui s’est tenue à l’Université de Newcastle en novembre 2022, était la première réunion en personne après deux ans de réunions en ligne en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19. Elle a permis aux participants de prendre part à des discussions en face à face tout au long de la journée et dans le cadre d’une séance de discussion de groupe à la ﬁn de la journée. Les discussions ont porté sur des sujets relatifs au bien-être positif des animaux de laboratoire et sur les moyens de rafﬁner les procédures. Ce rapport résume la réunion et se termine par une liste de points d’action que les lecteurs peuvent envisager de soulever dans leurs propres établissements. Bien-être positifL’importance de fournir aux animaux captifs des expériences positives pour assurer un bon niveau de bien-être a fait l’objet d’une attention accrue ces dernières années, sachant que pour avoir une « vie qui vaille la peine d’être vécue », les animaux doivent avoir plus d’expériences positives que d’expériences négatives. Cela signiﬁe que les personnes qui travaillent avec des animaux captifs doivent comprendre comment fournir à ceux-ci des expériences positives et savoir évaluer s’ils ressentent un bien-être positif.Mots-clés: bien-être positif, animaux captifs, évaluation du bien-être ★★★

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129August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePaper Summary TranslationsInﬂuence de la profondeur de l’insémination, de la concentration de spermatozoïdes et de la durée de conservation sur la performance reproductive des truies (sus domesticus) RUDY C. FLORESCorrespondance: rcﬂores@bpsu.edu.ph Résumé Cette étude évaluait la performance reproductive de 36 truies de la race Large White x Landrace (F1) dans une expérience à trois facteurs en utilisant les paramètres suivants : pourcentage de recyclage, taux de conception, naissance prématurée, taux de mise bas, taille de la portée née vivante, mortinatalité et poids à la naissance tels qu’ils sont inﬂuencés par la profondeur de l’insémination (corps intra-utérin et corne intra-utérine) comme facteur A, la concentration de sperme (±0,5 milliard, ±1,0 milliard et ±1,50 milliard par dose) comme facteur B et la durée de stockage du sperme (24 heures et 48 heures) en tant que facteur C utilisant un extenseur de sperme de sanglier modiﬁé. Des taux de mise bas considérablement plus élevés, une taille de portée née vivante et un poids moyen des porcelets à la naissance ont été obtenus par insémination intra-utérine de la corne par rapport à l’insémination intra-utérine lorsque la concentration de spermatozoïdes était réduite à environ ±0,50 – 1,50 milliard par dose. Il a été constaté que la concentration de spermatozoïdes pouvait être réduite à environ ±0,50 – 1,50 milliard de spermatozoïdes par dose si le sperme était déposé plus loin dans les cornes utérines des truies. L’étude a prouvé que la profondeur de l’insémination affectait considérablement le taux de mise bas, la taille de la portée née vivante et le poids moyen des porcelets (P<0,05) à la naissance. Ceci a été conﬁrmé par une faible concentration de spermatozoïdes inséminés profondément dans le corps utérin (IUBI) et les cornes utérines (IUHI) avec une amélioration signiﬁcative du taux de mise bas, de la taille de la portée née vivante et du poids des porcelets (P<0,05) à la naissance.Mots-clés: insémination intra-cervicale, insémination intra-utérine, insémination intra-utérine de corne, performance reproductive, concentration de spermatozoïdes ★★★Elimination du Mycobacterium marinum au sein des colonies de guppys NICOLA GOODWIN, JOSEPH HIGGINS ET MOLLIE MILLINGTON Correspondance: ntg22@cam.ac.uk Résumé En 2022, l’Université de Cambridge et le Francis Crick Institute ont collaboré pour importer plusieurs souches de guppys (Poecilia reticulata) infectées par le Mycobacterium marinum. L’objectif était d’éradiquer le pathogène de niveau de conﬁnement 2 (CL2) M. marinum en 2 nouvelles générations par un hébergement et une reproduction soignés au sein de l’installation aquatique CL2 de l’Université de Cambridge. Après un dépistage microbiologique et des résultats négatifs pour le M. marinum, le poisson serait ensuite exporté au Francis Crick Institute pour des études sur l’évolution du placenta.Cet article discute des mesures d’importation, de logement, d’élevage, de reproduction et de contrôle mises en place pour l’éradication du M. marinum à l’Université de Cambridge, avant d’exporter les animaux vers le Francis Crick Institute.

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130Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Paper Summary TranslationsCages de jeu pour les rats – effet sur le bien-être, le temps technique et le budget BETHANY TOUGHCorrespondance: Bethany.Tough@newcastle.ac.uk Résumé Au cours des derniers mois, nous avons concentré nos efforts sur l’amélioration de l’expérience de vie de nos rats expérimentaux (Rattus norvegicus). Après notre enquête initiale, nous avons noté qu’il semblait y avoir un grand écart entre les ressources facilement disponibles et utilisées pour les rats, par rapport à nos autres espèces de rongeurs souris (Mus musculus). Nos techniciens affectés aux rongeurs travaillant principalement entre les deux zones de rongeurs, cela a été mis en évidence comme un domaine à améliorer - en se conformant et en appuyant le principe de rafﬁnement du NC3R.Nous avons choisi de suivre l’approche consistant à réaffecter les cages de marmousets désaffectées pour créer un espace engageant à plusieurs niveaux que nos rats puissent explorer. Pour permettre aux rats de présenter un ensemble plus large et plus complet de leurs comportements naturels, nous nous sommes procuré et avons introduit une large gamme d’enrichissements tactiles, aériens et au sol, dans l’espoir d’encourager les rats à montrer leur capacité naturelle d’escalade et d’élevage qui peut être inhibée dans la cage individuelle ventilée (IVC). Mots-clés: rats de laboratoire, rafﬁnement, comportements naturels, enrichissement, cages réutilisées

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131August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePaper Summary TranslationsINHALTVERZEICHNISBericht über die Tagung der RSPCA/UFAW-Tierschutzgruppe für Nager 2022CHLOE STEVENS, TAYLA HAMMONDS, JUSTYNA HINCHCLIFFE, JOANNE MAINS, CLAIRE ROBINSON, JASMINE CLARKSON, MATTHEW LEACH, AMANDA BULMER UND CLAIRE PEARCEKorrespondenz: chloe.stevens@rspca.org.ukAbstract Die RSPCA/UFAW-Tierschutzgruppe für Nager veranstaltet seit 29 Jahren jeden Herbst ein eintägiges Treffen, bei dem die Mitglieder über Themen aktueller Tierschutzforschung diskutieren und Er fahrungen und Meinungen über Tierschutzfragen sowie über die Umsetzung des 3R-Prinzips (Vermeidung, Reduktion und Verbesserung) beim Einsatz von Nagern austauschen können. Die Tagung, die im November 2022 an der Universität Newcastle veranstaltet wurde, fand erstmals wieder als Präsenz-Event statt, nachdem sie zwei Jahre lang aufgrund der COVID-19-Pandemie nur online durchgeführt wurde. Sie bot den Teilnehmern im Laufe des Tages und im Rahmen einer Gruppendiskussion am Ende des Tages die Möglichkeit zum persönlichen Austausch. In den Gesprächen ging es um Themen wie das positive Wohlergehen von Versuchstieren und um Möglichkeiten zur Ver fahrensverbesserung. Dieser Bericht fasst das Treffen zusammen und endet mit einer Liste von Aktionspunkten, die Leser für ihre eigenen Einrichtungen in Betracht ziehen können.Positives Wohlergehen für Tiere In den letzten Jahren wurde verstärkt darauf verwiesen, wie wichtig es zur Gewährleistung eines guten Tier wohlstandards ist, Tieren in Gefangenschaft positive Erlebnisse zu bieten, da man erkannt hat, dass Tiere mehr positive als negative Erfahrungen machen müssen, um ein „lebenswertes“ Leben zu führen. Daraus ergibt sich, dass jene, die mit in Gefangenschaft gehaltenen Tieren arbeiten, wissen müssen, wie sie Tieren positive Erfahrungen vermitteln und wie sie beurteilen können, was ihnen guttut und ob sie subjektiv Wohlergehen empﬁnden.Schlagwörter: positives Wohlergehen für Tiere, Tiere in Gefangenschaft, Tierwohlbewertung★★★

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132Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Paper Summary TranslationsBesamungstiefe, Spermakonzentration und -lagerdauer beeinﬂussten die Reproduktionsleistung von Sauen (Sus domesticus)RUDY C. FLORESKorrespondenz: rcﬂores@bpsu.edu.ph Abstract In dieser Studie wurde die Reproduktionsleistung von 36 Sauen der Kreuzung Edelsau x Landrasse (F1) in einem Drei-Faktoren-Experiment untersucht. Die folgenden Parameter wurden verwendet: Rezyklierungsprozentsatz, Empfängnisrate, Frühgeburten, Abferkelrate, Wurfgröße bei Lebendgeburten, Totgeburten und Geburtsgewicht in Abhängigkeit von der Besamungstiefe (Intrauterinkörper und Intrauterushorn) als Faktor A, der Spermakonzentration (± 0,5 Mrd., ± 1,0 Mrd. und ± 1,50 Mrd. pro Dosis) als Faktor B und der Dauer der Spermalagerung (24 Stunden und 48 Stunden) als Faktor C unter Verwendung eines modiﬁzierten Ebersamenverdünners. Abferkelraten, die Größe des lebend geborenen Wurfes und das durchschnittliche Gebur tsgewicht der Ferkel waren durch die Intrauterinhorn-Besamung signiﬁkant höher im Vergleich zur Intrauterinkörper-Besamung, wenn die Spermienkonzentration auf etwa ± 0,50–1,50 Mrd. pro Dosis reduziert wurde. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Spermienkonzentration auf etwa ± 0,50–1,50 Mrd. Spermien pro Dosis reduziert werden kann, wenn das Sperma weiter in die Uterushörner der Sauen eingebracht wird. Die Studie belegte, dass die Tiefe der Besamung einen signiﬁkanten Einﬂuss auf die Abferkelrate, die Größe des lebend geborenen Wurfes und das durchschnittliche Geburtsgewicht der Ferkel hatte (P < 0,05). Dies wurde durch eine niedrige Spermakonzentration bestätigt, die tief in den Uteruskörper (IUBI) und die Uterushörner (IUHI) eingebracht wurde und zu einer signiﬁkanten Verbesserung der Abferkelrate, der Größe des lebend geborenen Wurfes und des Geburtsgewichts der Ferkel führte (P < 0,05).Schlagwörter: Intrazer vikale Besamung, intrauterine Besamung, Intrauterinhorn-Besamung, Fortpﬂanzungsleistung, Spermienkonzentration★★★Eliminierung von Mycobacterium marinum in Guppy-KolonienNICOLA GOODWIN, JOSEPH HIGGINS UND MOLLIE MILLINGTONKorrespondenz: ntg22@cam.ac.ukAbstract Im Jahr 2022 kooperierten die University of Cambridge und das Francis Crick Institute beim Import mehrerer Stämme von mit Mycobacterium marinum inﬁzierten Guppys (Poecilia reticulata). Ziel war es, den Erreger M. marinum der Sicherheitsstufe 2 (CL2) innerhalb von zwei neuen Generationen durch gezielte Haltung und Züchtung in der CL2-Aquaristikanlage der University of Cambridge zu eliminieren. Nach mikrobiologischem Gesundheitsscreening mit negativem M. marinum-Testergebnis sollten die Fische dann an das Francis Crick Institute exportiert werden, um die Evolution der Plazenta zu untersuchen.Dieser Artikel erörtert den Import, die Unterbringung, die Haltung, die Züchtung und die zur Eliminierung von M. marinum etablierten Kontrollmaßnahmen an der University of Cambridge, ehe die Fische an das Francis Crick Institute exportiert wurden.

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133August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePaper Summary TranslationsLaufställe für Ratten – Auswirkungen auf Wohlergehen, Arbeitszeit und BudgetBETHANY TOUGHKorrespondenz: Bethany.Tough@newcastle.ac.uk Abstract In den vergangenen Monaten haben wir unsere Arbeit auf die Verbesserung der Lebensbedingungen unserer Versuchsratten (Rattus Norvegicus) konzentriert. Nach unserer ersten Untersuchung stellten wir eine große Diskrepanz zwischen den für Ratten verfügbaren und verwendeten Ressourcen im Vergleich zu unserer anderen Nagetierart, der Maus (Mus musculus), fest. Da unsere Nagetiertechniker vorwiegend in beiden Nagetierbereichen arbeiten, wurde dies als verbesserungsbedür ftiger Bereich entsprechend dem Element Reﬁnement des NC-3R-Prinzips und seiner Umsetzung ermittelt.Wir haben uns für den Ansatz entschieden, ehemalige Käﬁge für Seidenäffchen umzufunktionieren, um einen mehrstöckigen, anregenden Raum zu schaffen, den unsere Ratten erkunden können. Um den Ratten zu ermöglichen, ein umfassenderes und vollständigeres Spektrum ihrer natürlichen Verhaltensweisen zu entfalten, haben wir eine breite Palette an taktilen Luft- und Bodenelementen beschafft und installiert, in der Hoffnung, die Ratten anzuregen, ihre natürlichen Fähigkeiten zum Klettern und Aufrichten zu demonstrieren, die im individuell belüfteten Käﬁg (IVC) unterdrückt werden können.Schlagwörter: Laborratten, Reﬁnement, natürliche Verhaltensweisen, Enrichment, umfunktionierte Käﬁge

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134Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Paper Summary TranslationsINDICE DELLA REVISTAResoconto dell’incontro del RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group del 2022CHLOE STEVENS, TAYLA HAMMONDS, JUSTYNA HINCHCLIFFE, JOANNE MAINS, CLAIRE ROBINSON, JASMINE CLARKSON, MATTHEW LEACH, AMANDA BULMER E CLAIRE PEARCE Corrispondenza: chloe.stevens@rspca.org.ukAbstract Ogni autunno, da ormai 29 anni, il RSPCA/UFAW Rodent Welfare Group (Gruppo sul benessere dei roditori) organizza un incontro di un giorno per consentire ai suoi membri di discutere degli studi attuali di ricerca sul benessere, di scambiarsi opinioni sulle questioni legate al benessere e di condividere esperienze di applicazione del principio delle 3 R, sostituzione (Replacement), riduzione (Reduction) e perfezionamento (Reﬁnement), in relazione all’uso di roditori.Tenutosi presso l’Università di Newcastle a novembre 2022, è stato il primo incontro di persona organizzato dopo due anni di discussioni online dovute alla pandemia da COVID-19. Ha consentito ai partecipanti di interagire faccia a faccia nel corso della giornata e di intavolare discussioni nell’ambito di una sessione di gruppo tenutasi a conclusione dell’incontro. I temi trattati hanno riguardato il benessere positivo degli animali da laboratorio e l’uso di tecniche di perfezionamento delle procedure. Il presente resoconto riassume l’incontro e termina con un elenco di punti di inter vento che i lettori possono portare all’attenzione delle loro strutture.Benessere positivoLa fornitura di esperienze positive agli animali in cattività per garantire un buon livello di benessere è un aspetto accolto con crescente attenzione negli ultimi anni, con la consapevolezza che “una vita degna di essere vissuta” debba essere accompagnata da più esperienze positive che negative. Pertanto, è importante che coloro che lavorano con gli animali in cattività comprendano come fornire queste esperienze positive e come valutare se gli animali stanno avvertendo un benessere positivo.Parole chiave: benessere positivo, animali in cattività, valutazione del benessere ★★★

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135August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePaper Summary TranslationsProfondità di inseminazione, concentrazione spermatica e durata del magazzinaggio: fattori inﬂuenzanti della capacità riproduttiva delle scrofe (Sus domesticus) RUDY C. FLORESCorrispondenza: rcﬂores@bpsu.edu.ph Abstract Questo studio ha valutato la capacità riproduttiva di 36 scrofe ibride Large White x Landrace (F1) con un esperimento a tre fattori che ha fatto uso dei seguenti parametri: percentuale di riciclo, tasso di concepimento, nascita prematura, tasso di parto, dimensioni della ﬁgliata viva, nati morti e peso alla nascita inﬂuenzati dalla profondità di inseminazione (corpo intrauterino e corno intrauterino) come Fattore A, concentrazione spermatica (±0,5 miliardi, ±1,0 miliardi e ±1,50 miliardi per dose) come Fattore B e durata di magazzinaggio dello sperma (24 ore e 48 ore) come Fattore C, servendosi di un diluitore per seme suino modiﬁcato. Quando la concentrazione spermatica è stata ridotta a circa ±0,50 – 1,50 miliardi per dose, l’inseminazione nel corno intrauterino ha generato tassi di parto, dimensioni della ﬁgliata viva e un peso medio alla nascita notevolmente più alti rispetto all’inseminazione nel corpo intrauterino. Si è notato che, depositando lo sperma più in profondità nel corno uterino delle scrofe, la concentrazione spermatica può essere ridotta a circa ±0,50 – 1,50 miliardi di spermatozoi per dose. Lo studio ha dimostrato che la profondità di inseminazione ha fortemente inﬂuenzato il tasso di parto, le dimensioni della ﬁgliata viva e il peso medio alla nascita dei suinetti (P<0,05), come confermato dalla bassa concentrazione di sperma inseminato nel corpo uterino (IUBI) e nel corno uterino (IUHI) con sostanziale miglioramento del tasso di parto, delle dimensioni della ﬁgliata viva e del peso alla nascita dei suinetti (P<0,05).Parole chiave: inseminazione intracervicale, inseminazione intrauterina, inseminazione nel corno intrauterino, capacità riproduttiva, concentrazione spermatica★★★Eliminazione del Mycobacterium marinum nelle colonie di guppyNICOLA GOODWIN, JOSEPH HIGGINS E MOLLIE MILLINGTON Corrispondenza: ntg22@cam.ac.uk Abstract Nel corso del 2022, l’Università di Cambridge e il Francis Crick Institute hanno collaborato insieme per importare vari ceppi di guppy (Poecilia reticulata) infettati con il batterio Mycobacterium marinum. L’obiettivo era l’eradicazione del patogeno CL2 (Livello di contenimento 2) M. marinum in due nuove generazioni mediante una stabulazione e un allevamento scrupolosi nella struttura acquatica CL2 dell’Università di Cambridge. A seguito di uno screening sanitario di carattere microbiologico e di conseguenti risultati negativi per il M. marinum, i pesci sarebbero stati spostati al Francis Crick Institute per studiare l’evoluzione della placenta.Nel presente articolo vengono discusse le misure di importazione, stabulazione, zootecnia, allevamento e controllo messe in essere presso l’Università di Cambridge per l’eradicazione del M. marinum, prima del loro trasferimento al Francis Crick Institute.

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137August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePaper Summary TranslationsINDICE DE LA REVISTAInforme sobre la reunión del Grupo para el bienestar de roedores RSPCA/UFAW 2022CHLOE STEVENS, TAYLA HAMMONDS, JUSTYNA HINCHCLIFFE, JOANNE MAINS, CLAIRE ROBINSON, JASMINE CLARKSON, MATTHEW LEACH, AMANDA BULMER Y CLAIRE PEARCECorrespondencia: chloe.stevens@rspca.org.uk Resumen El Grupo para el bienestar de roedores RSPCA/UFAW ha celebrado una reunión de un día cada otoño durante los últimos 29 años para que sus miembros puedan debatir sobre la investigación actual en materia de bienestar, intercambiar opiniones sobre temas relacionados con el bienestar y compartir su experiencia respecto a la implementación de las 3 R (Reemplazo, Reducción y Reﬁnamiento) en relación al uso de roedores.Esta reunión, que se celebró en la Universidad de Newcastle en noviembre de 2022, fue la primera que se celebró en persona tras dos años de reuniones en línea debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. Esta permitió a los asistentes participar en debates cara a cara a lo largo del día y como parte de una sesión de debate en grupo al ﬁnal de la jornada. Las charlas trataron temas relacionados con el bienestar positivo de los animales de laboratorio y formas de perfeccionar los procedimientos. Este informe resume la reunión y ﬁnaliza con una lista de puntos de acción que los lectores pueden plantearse en sus propias instalaciones.Bienestar positivoLa importancia de proporcionar a los animales cautivos experiencias positivas para garantizar un buen nivel de bienestar ha recibido una mayor atención en los últimos años, con el reconocimiento de que para tener una «vida que merezca la pena», los animales necesitan tener más experiencias positivas que negativas. Esto implica que aquellos que trabajan con animales cautivos necesitan entender cómo proporcionar a los animales experiencias positivas y cómo evaluar si los animales están experimentando un bienestar positivo.Palabras clave: bienestar positivo, animales cautivos, evaluación del bienestar ★★★

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138Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020La profundidad de la inseminación, la concentración espermática y la duración del almacenamiento inﬂuyeron en el rendimiento reproductivo de las cerdas (Sus domesticus) RUDY C. FLORESCorrespondencia: rcﬂores@bpsu.edu.ph Resumen Este ensayo evaluó el rendimiento reproductivo de 36 cerdas de la raza Large White x Landrace (F1) en un experimento de tres factores utilizando los siguientes parámetros: porcentaje de reciclaje, tasa de concepción, parto prematuro, tasa de partos, tamaño de la camada nacida viva, nacidos muertos y peso al nacer según se vieran afectados por la profundidad de la inseminación (cuerpo intrauterino y cuerno intrauterino) como Factor A, la concentración de esperma (±0,5 mil millones, ±1,0 mil millones y ±1,50 mil millones por dosis) como Factor B y la duración del almacenamiento del semen (24 horas y 48 horas) como Factor C utilizando un diluyente de semen de verraco modiﬁcado. Se lograron tasas de partos, tamaño de camada nacida viva y peso medio al nacer de los lechones signiﬁcativamente mayores mediante la inseminación intrauterina en cuerno en comparación con la inseminación intrauterina en cuerpo cuando la concentración de esperma se redujo a aproximadamente ±0,50 - 1,50 mil millones por dosis. Se descubrió que la concentración de esperma puede reducirse a unos ±0,50 - 1,50 mil millones de espermatozoides por dosis si el semen se deposita más adentro de los cuernos uterinos de las cerdas. El ensayo demostró que la profundidad de la inseminación afectaba signiﬁcativamente a la tasa de partos, al tamaño de la camada nacida viva y al peso medio al nacimiento de los lechones (P<0,05), lo que se conﬁrmó con una baja concentración de esperma inseminado en profundidad en el cuerpo uterino (IUBI) y en los cuernos uterinos (IUHI) con una mejora signiﬁcativa en la tasa de partos, el tamaño de la camada nacida viva y el peso al nacimiento de los lechones (P<0,05).Parole chiave: inseminación intracervical, inseminación intrauterina, inseminación intrauterina en cuerno, rendimiento reproductivo, concentración espermática★★★Eliminación de Mycobacterium marinum en colonias de peces guppysNICOLA GOODWIN, JOSEPH HIGGINS Y MOLLIE MILLINGTON Correspondencia: ntg22@cam.ac.uk Resumen Durante 2022, la Universidad de Cambridge y el Instituto Francis Crick colaboraron para importar múltiples cepas de guppies (Poecilia reticulata) infectados con Mycobacterium marinum. El objetivo era erradicar el patógeno de nivel de contención 2 (CL2) M. marinum en 2 nuevas generaciones mediante un cuidadoso alojamiento y cría en las instalaciones acuáticas CL2 de la Universidad de Cambridge. Después del examen sanitario microbiológico y los resultados negativos para M. marinum, los peces se exportarían al Instituto Francis Crick para realizar estudios sobre la evolución de la placenta.En este artículo se analizan las medidas de importación, alojamiento, cría, reproducción y control aplicadas para la erradicación de M. marinum en la Universidad de Cambridge, antes de exportarlos al Instituto Francis Crick.Paper Summary Translations

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If the answer to the above two questions is yes then listen up:The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) is actively seeking new Council members, so whether you are interested in welfare initiatives, communications, education and training or just want to have a say, then why not get more involved in your professional body and join Council?Our Mission: Advancing and promoting excellence in the care and welfare of animals in researchAre you currently a full Member or Fellow of the Institute with two years’ consecutive membership, who wants to make a difference? Do you want to be involved in developing the future of the Institute of Animal Technology?Visit our website www.iat.org.uk for further informationInstitute of Animal TechnologyYOUR COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!Why bother?• the opportunity to shape the future• great networking and personal development opportunities• choose the area that interests you on Council and join that group• expenses are paid to attend Council meetings• discounted Congress attendance• the Council Election form is simple to completeStill unsure?Contact us and we can talk you through the process, provide more information about Council activities and groups or you can visit the IAT website members’ section.You would need to be proposed and seconded by either two Members or Fellows of the Institute or nominated by a Branch. The IAT can assist with this too, if you have any difficulties.Interested?Nomination forms should be completed online from the IAT website using this link http://iatforms.org.uk/view.php?id=16312When the form is submitted it is sent to the IAT Administrator (admin@iat.org.uk). The closing date for nominations is Friday 3rd November 2023. Simon CummingHonorary Secretary

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141August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfare49Haven’t the time to write a paper but want to have something published? Then read on!This section offers readers the opportunity to submit informal contributions about anyaspects of Animal Technology. Comments, observations, descriptions of new or refinedtechniques, new products or equipment, old products or equipment adapted to new use,any subject that may be useful to technicians in other institutions. Submissions can bepresented as technical notes and do not need to be structured and can be as short or aslong as is necessary. Accompanying illustrations and/or photos should be high resolution.NB. Descriptions of new products or equipment submitted by manufacturers are welcomebut should be a factual account of the product. However, the Editorial Board gives nowarranty as to the accuracy or fitness for purpose of the product.What 3Rs idea have you developed?EMMA FILBYMira Building, University of Cambridge, University Biomedical Services,Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FSCorrespondence: emma.filby@admin.cam.ac.ukBased on an ar ticle written for the National Centr e for the 3RsApril 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareTECH-2-TECHBackgroundEmma was invited to write an article as a 3Rschampion in NC3Rs ‘Tech 3Rs’ Issue 5, November2019.Here is her response describing how she has used anautomated system to reduce how frequently mousecage bedding is changed without compromisingcleanliness.IntroductionOur unit opened in 2017, during the procurement ofnew equipment we had the opportunity to purchase adigital ventilated rack system from Tecniplast UK. Thecages are referred to as the Digitally Ventilated Cage orDVC. This system uses the data collected by sensorsbelow the cage to flag when to clean out based on thechange in an electromagnetic signal. To have thisfunctionality we first needed to create an algorithmduring a learning phase.The learning phase: devising analgorithmWe held a meeting to agree what warranted a cage basechange based on pictures to avoid being subjective. Wereferred to the Home Office Codes of Practice for thehousing and care of animals bred, supplied or used forscientific purposes (HOCoP) for advice on husbandrypractices to set our criteria, balancing hygiene and theimportance of olfactory cues to rodents and their needfor control over their environment.1We started the trial, noting when the cage reached thepoint it required a base change. We assessed airquality, what proportion of the cage base was wet andwhether the animals still had choice over theirenvironment and their ability to show spatial separationof different behaviours such as nesting and excretion,for example their nest was free of faeces. During the‘learning phase’ we a sked our Named Veterinar ySurgeon (NVS) and Home Office inspector (HOI) tocheck that they agreed with our assessment.APRIL_1-628207435_4-628196990.e$S:Animal Technology and Welfare 24/9/20 06:51 Page 49Elimination of Mycobacterium marinum within Guppy coloniesNICOLA GOODWIN1,JOSEPH HIGGINS2and MOLLIE MILLINGTON21 USB Department, University of Cambridge2 Francis Crick Institute, LondonCorrespondence: ntg22@cam.ac.uk TECH-2-TECHIntroductionDuring 2022, the University of Cambridge and The Francis Crick Institute collaborated to import 20 species of guppies which were infected with Mycobacterium marinum. The aim was to eradicate the Containment Level 2 (CL2) pathogen M. marinum within 2 new generations by careful housing and breeding within the University of CambridgeCL2 aquatics facility. Following microbiological healthscreening and negative screening results for M. marinum, the ﬁsh were then exported to The Francis Crick Institutefor studies into the evolution of the placenta.Here we discuss the importation, housing, husbandry,breeding and control measures put in place for the eradication of M. marinum at the University of Cambridge
before exporting them to the Francis Crick Institute.Guppy BackgroundGuppies are native to the Caribbean and parts of South America. However they have been introduced to many different countries across all continents, except Antarctica.
They are most often used as a means of mosquito control,
as the guppies eat the mosquito larvae, slowing down the spread of malaria. They are typically 4cm in length (seeﬁgure 1).August 2023 Animal Technology and WelfareIf the answer to the above two questions is yes then listen up:The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) is actively seeking new Council members, so whetheryou are interested in welfare initiatives, communications, education and training or just wantto have a say, then why not get more involved in your professional body and join Council?Our Mission: Advancing and promoting excellence in the care and welfare of animals in researchAre you currently a full Member or Fellow of the Institute with two years’consecutive membership, who wants to make a difference?Do you want to be involved in developing the future of the Institute ofAnimal Technology?Visit our website www.iat.org.uk for further informationInstitute of Animal TechnologyYOUR COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!Why bother?•the opportunity to shape the future•great networking and personal development opportunities•choose the area that interests you on Council and join that group•expenses are paid to attend Council meetings•discounted Congress attendance•the Council Election form is simple to completeStill unsure?Contact us and we can talk you through the process, provide moreinformation about Council activities and groups or you can visit the IATwebsite members’ section.You would need to be proposed and seconded by either two Membersor Fellows of the Institute or nominated by a Branch. The IAT can assist with this too, if you have any difficulties.Interested?Nomination forms should be completed online from the IAT websiteusing this link http://iatforms.org.uk/view.php?id=16312When the form is submitted it is sent to the IAT Administrator (admin@iat.org.uk).The closing date for nominations is Friday 3rd November 2023.
Simon CummingHonorary Secretary

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142Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Elimination of Mycobacterium marinum Within Guppy ColoniesImportation of guppiesThe guppies imported into the University of Cambridge were from the University of California, Riverside. Originally these colonies were wild caught, with many originating from Mexico. They had been bred several times in the laboratory and had microbiologically screened positive for M. marinum.The ﬁ sh were transported in clear plastic bags which contained their water from the tanks and systems they were housed in. The bags were held in polystyrene boxes and lastly placed within cardboard boxes.Containment1. The ﬁ sh were placed in the University of Cambridge’s designated CL2 room within 8L ﬁ sh tanks. Each tank held up to 15 guppy fry until they reached sexual maturity.2. The guppy fry were removed from their parent tanks within 24 hours of being born.3. The ﬁ sh housing system was a recirculating system relying on ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation to prevent the spread of pathogens throughout the tanks.4. Personal protective equipment (PPE) required within this area is a lab coat or full Tyvek suit, double gloves,a change of shoes and a face shield. This PPE is donned within the clean area of the CL2 room and is removed before leaving.5. All the equipment within this room was decontaminatedby autoclaving at 134°c or 70% ethanol before either being reused or leaving the room.Figure 1. Figure 1 Importation of Guppies The Guppies imported into the University of Cambridge were from the University of California, Riverside. Originally these colonies were wild caught, with many originating from Mexico. They had been bred several times in the laboratory and had microbiologically screened positive for M. marinum. The fish were transported in clear plastic bags which contained their water from the tanks and systems they were housed in. The bags were held in polystyrene boxes and lastly placed within cardboard boxes. Containment Housing and feeding–Each tank contained enrichment such as plastic plantsand a mouse tunnel to hide within.– The system had mechanical ﬁ lter pads, biological media and UV sterilisation– The water temperature was between 26-28oC,hardness 160-200 parts per million (ppm), conductivity~600µs, and pH 7.– Fish were housed at 15 per tank from the point of being born until they became sexually mature.– Once they were sexually mature at approximately 12 weeks of age, they were transferred into tanks in groups of 2-3 females and 1-2 males.– Guppies are fed a small dr y powdered diet twice per day, gradually increasing in micron sizes as the ﬁ sh grow, as well as being fed 24 hour brine shrimp once per day (see ﬁ gure 2).• The water temperature was between 26-28ºC, hardness 160-200parts per million (ppm), conductivity ~600μs, and pH 7.• Fish were housed at 15 per tank from the point of being born until they became sexually mature.• Once they were sexually mature at approximately 12 weeks of age, they were transferred into tanks in groups of 2-3 females and 1-2 males.• Guppies are fed a small dry powdered diet twice per day, gradually increasing in micron sizes as the fish grow, as well as being fed 24 hour brine shrimp once per day (see figure 2). Figure 2 - Guppy foodBreedingFigure 2 shows the small granules on the le hand side, increasing in size to the large granules on the right hand side which they are fed as they grow.Figure 2 shows the small granules on the left hand side, increasing in size to the large granules on the right hand side which they are fed as they grow.Figure 2. Guppy food.BreedingWhen the guppies became sexually mature, dividers wereplaced into the tanks (see ﬁ gure 3). This was to ensure the newborn fr y were able to escape from the adults, to prevent chasing and potentially killing the fry.Figure 3. Breeding guppies with tank divider.When the guppies became sexually mature, dividers were placed into the tanks (see figure 3). This was to ensure the newborn fry were able to escape from the adults, to prevent chasing and potentially killing the fry. Figure 3 Breeding guppies with tank divider Sexing Guppies Male guppies have a gonopodium under their abdomen. Female guppies can store sperm for up to 3 months, therefore timed matings are not possible with this species. From our experience, each female will typically give birth to between 5 to15 fry per spawn. Divider to separate fry from adults

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143August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareSexing guppiesMale guppies have a gonopodium under their abdomen. Female guppies can store sperm for up to 3 months, therefore timed matings are not possible with this species. From our experience, each female will typically give birth to between 5 to 15 fry per spawn.The fry are born free swimming and are immediately capable of independent feeding. They are approximately 8mm in length, have slender bodies and are fast swimmers.Microbiological health screeningEach tank of sexually mature (pairs) was given a unique identiﬁ cation number (ID). The offspring of each tank were housed separately from other tanks’ offspring. Only siblings were held together in tanks to prevent cross contamination between them. The microbiological health screening described below is performed on every tank, with 5 ﬁ sh screened per tank and swabs taken of tank surfaces:1. The ﬁ rst generation of guppies (F1) born at the University of Cambridge – screened for M. marinum at 8 weeks old by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).2. When sexually mature, they were re-screened before breeding to reconﬁ rm they are free of M. marinum.3. Their offspring (F2) – screened for the pathogen at 8 weeks of age. Fish from tanks that test negative are sent to the Francis Crick Institute.Export to The CrickAll F2 ﬁ sh from tanks that test negative for M. marinum are sent to the Francis Crick Institute within plastic bags containing system water. These are held within polystyrene boxes, inside cardboard boxes.Transportation is within a temperature-controlled van at 26oC to ensure the Guppies environmental parameters are appropriate.Further reading for the creation of a CL2 room Goodwin N., Westall L. Design and Husbandry Considerations for a Containment Level 2 Aquatic Facility. Zebraﬁ sh. 2022;19(2): 56-66.Elimination of Mycobacterium marinum Within Guppy Colonies

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145August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareThe IAT is at the forefront of educating Animal Technologists and other professionals with its qualiﬁ cations respected and recognised world-wide.These IAT qualiﬁ cations must be regularly reviewed and revised if they are to remain current and ﬁ t for purpose in an ever-changing industry.The number of Fellows (FIAT) is in decline, (certainly if Fellows were animals they would be on the at risk register), and a more ﬂ exible educational approach of encouraging and attaining Fellowship was needed.In early 2022, having completed the review and updates of IAT Further Education (FE) Levels 2 and 3, attention turned to Higher Education, (HE), Levels 4, 5 and 6. Changes in the workplace and the need to give wider access to Fellowship, made this an ideal opportunity to build ﬂ exibility into the HE levels which would enable students to choose subjects more applicable to their career pathway whilst making attainment of Fellowship possible.Previously Fellowship was attained by Member (MIAT) who successfully completed all 12 HE units at levels 4, 5 and 6. Each unit was pre-prescribed, mandatory and had to be successfully completed but feedback from students and employers reported that some units were not particularly useful to individuals. These comments, in addition to problems previously identiﬁ ed, were used as the basis of the HE revamp and helped to form the new multi-optional Unit structure.While the HE structure still sits in three Levels, 4, 5 and 6,there is now much more choice. None, (other than one unit at L6 for those wishing to achieve Fellowship), is mandatory and, individual units may be taken as stand-alone CPD training. To attain a Diploma, at each level the student will need to accrue 120 credits –• L4 Diploma = 120 credits• L5 Diploma = 120 credits• L6 Diploma = 120 creditsCredits may be accrued from a higher level to back-ﬁ ll a lower level, for example 20 credits may be used from L5 to add to credits accrued in L4 to attain a L4 Diploma but cannot be used forward (L4 credits going towards L5). Back-ﬁ lling credits can only be used once. Attaining Fellowship, Members* would follow the same route as attaining the Diplomas, requiring 360 credits across the levels as above, with one caveat, which wouldmake the L6 Unit, Experimental Design for in vivoResearch mandatory. It is also possible that a maximum of 30%, (40 credits) may be obtained through recognised prior earning (RPL). RPL should be discussed with the course provider and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.Members* are classiﬁ ed as those who hold IAT L3 and have passed an additional Practical Health and Handling module. For those who are not Members*, for example if they have come into the industry and have not followed a traditional IAT education, a bridging course is under development to enable knowledge gap backﬁ lling in order for them to become a Member*, without having to do the complete L2 and L3. This bridging course, utilising approved prior learning, (APL) will only be open to those who had not come through a traditional IAT education route but would not be a short cut to attaining L2 and L3. A new route to IAT FellowshipAugust 2023 Animal Technology and WelfareEducationSponsored by:Please email Robert Orvis: robert.orvis@astrazeneca.com to book your team and their meal option. Choices are: Beef or Chicken or Spicy-Bean burger meal.6 persons per team at £10.00 each as Agenda Life Sciences is generously sponsoring the remaining £8.95 per person.Note: Teams of fewer than 6 in a team are welcome, but the minimum cost is £60. Prizes for the highest scoring team and individual.Booking & Payment - in advance.Latest booking date: 10th May BACS payment to: HSBC - Cambridge I.A.T. branch 40-40-45 41322745 Reference: Your team nameWednesday 17th May 2023Tenpin Cambridge Leisure Park, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7DYArrive at 5.30 - Bowling starts at 6pmCorrespondence: info@iateducation.co.uk

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146Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Level Unit Credit value4 Advanced animal husbandry, care and enrichment practices 204 Animal welfare legislation 204 Application of the 3Rs to the severity assessment framework 204 Application of the Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 204 Aquatics 204 Assessing competence in the workplace 154 Developing Communication skills 204 Genetics for Laboratory Animal Research 204 Introduction to Genetically Altered models 154 Laboratory skills 104 Necropsy skills 104 Physiology of pain and distress in laboratory animals 204 Researching data and using information 104 Training and developing staff in the workplace 155 Anaesthesia for minor procedures 105 Advanced anaesthesia for surgical or prolonged procedures 205 Budgeting and accountancy 155 Developing Coaching and Mentoring skills for First Line Managers 205 Experimental Design and statistics 305 Genetically altered laboratory animals: breeding and colony management 205 Introduction to First Line Management 155 Managing Health and safety in the Animal Facility 105 Managing performance for First Line Managers 155 Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia 205 Motivational skills for First Line Managers 155 Principles of surgery 205 Recognition of pain, suffering and distress: species speciﬁc 206 *Experimental Design for in vivo Research 306 Establishing a Culture of Care in research animal facilities 106 Genetically altered laboratory animals: models, phenotyping principles and preclinical models306 Inﬂuencing people with integrity 156 Managing and developing teams 206 Managing change 206 Managing and Driving Individual Performance 156 Pain and distress in laboratory animals 306 Project planning; principles and practices for success 206 Strategic thinking 156 Thesis / project 30Unit Credit valuesA new route to IAT Fellowship

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147August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareUnit credit descriptionLevel 4Title DescriptionAdvanced animal husbandry, care and enrichment practicesThis unit will enable learners to understand the principles of animal care (including those pertinent to laboratory animals such as supplementary regimes), housing, handling and biosecurity.Animal Welfare legislationThis unit aims to provide an understanding of how other legislation interacts with ASPA and impacts on animals housed in animal facilities that are not covered by ASPA.Application of the 3Rs to the severity assessment frameworkThis unit provides an overview of the severity assessment framework, its contribution to improving animal welfare, promoting implementation of the Three Rs (3R’s) and enhancing transparency. It provides the following information on the nature of procedures: the prospective classiﬁcation of the severity of procedures, why the continuous assessment of severity is a key component of the legislation and reporting of actual severity. It explains: the principles governing severity assessment, the concept of direct and contingent suffering and the concept of cumulative severity. It is intended to complement, draw together and expand on the information and key concepts from other modules to provide a stand-alone module on severity assessment. The module content aims to be accessible to all those who require a deeper understanding of the severity assessment framework.Application of the Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) This unit will broaden and deepen knowledge beyond that in UK ‘l’ and EU 1 modules. It will develop the reﬂective and analytical skills allowing learners to contribute fully to the implementation of the Act with regards to the 3Rs, effective Animal Welfare and good science. This module aims to provide an understanding of ASPA, and the legal responsibilities of the personnel involved. It will cover the responsibilities of those holding named positions and those licensed under ASPA to carry out procedures on animals, as well as those not carrying out procedures but taking care of animals or killing animals. It should be considered alongside other relevant animal legislation. AquaticsThe unit will provide the learner with the opportunity to investigate the housing, husbandry and use of aquatic species in the animal facility. This module delivers a more in-depth knowledge of animal care practices in line with EU module 23.Assessing competence in the workplaceThis unit will introduce the learner to the theory and practice that underpin effective assessment of learning and work-based practice. Learners will leave the unit with sufﬁcient knowledge, conﬁdence and skills to assess learning and work-based knowledge, attitudes and skills effectively.Developing communication skillsThis unit will develop the learner’s ability to communicate in a range of situations relevant to their workplace and ensure that those completing it can effectively deliver information in a professional manner across a range of situations.Genetics for laboratory animal researchThis unit will provide learners with the key genetic principles required to be able to support work with genetically altered animals in research with a focus on mouse models.Introduction to genetically altered modelsThe unit will introduce basic genetically altered terminology and processes. It is intended to provide those with little experience in the area with the knowledge they need to access more complex methodologies in the creation, maintenance and use of genetically altered strains. The unit will provide an introduction to basic genetically altered terminology and processes. It is intended to provide those with little experience in the area with the knowledge they need to access more complex methodologies in the creation, maintenance and use of genetically altered strains.Laboratory skillsThe aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the ability to demonstrate the skills required to conduct a range of common laboratory skills safely and accurately.A new route to IAT Fellowship

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148Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Necropsy skills The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the ability to demonstrate the skills required to support the NVS or a research project with the collection of tissues or identiﬁcation of health problems.Physiology of pain and distress in laboratory animalsThis unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the physiological processes relevant to pain and distress in laboratory animals. It will include the physiology of nociception, autonomic nervous system responses to stress and distress, including an overview of the physiology and pharmacology of analgesics and other methods used to alleviate pain and distress. The module is of relevance to technical staff who are required to monitor animals during procedures, and particularly to those acting as Named Animal care and Welfare Ofﬁcers (NACWOs) or participating in the ethical review process in their institution.Researching data and using InformationThis unit will provide the learner with the knowledge to ﬁnd and then evaluate the reliability of data and the skills to use these data effectively in the workplace.Training and developing staff in the workplaceThis unit will introduce the learners to the theory and practice that underpins effective work-based training. Learners will leave the course with sufﬁcient knowledge, conﬁdence and skills so they can design, deliver and set assessments to effectively develop work-based knowledge, attitudes and skills effectively.A new route to IAT Fellowship

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149August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareLevel 5Title DescriptionAdvanced animal husbandry, care and enrichment practicesThis unit will enable learners to understand the principles of animal care (including those pertinent to laboratory animals such as supplementary regimes), housing, handling and biosecurity.Anaesthesia for minor proceduresThis unit provides guidance and information to individuals who, during their work with animals, will need to apply sedation or short-term anaesthesia for a brief period and mild pain level procedure.Advanced anaesthesia for surgical or prolonged proceduresThis unit provides information on the use of anaesthetics for surgical procedures. It also includes information on the use of anaesthetics to provide humane restraint during other, non-painful, procedures, such as imaging. After completion of this module, learners should understand factors inﬂuencing the selection and application of anaesthesia for these procedures.Budgeting and accountancyThe unit will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to understand basic budgeting and budget reporting processes. It is designed to give information on budgeting to enable the learner to plan and monitor budgets; it is not designed as an introductory course for those planning to switch to a career in ﬁnance or accountancy.Developing coaching and mentoring skills for ﬁrst line managersThe unit is designed to support the development of management coaching and mentoring skills and to identify the links between coaching, mentoring and the achievement of the business goals.Experimental design and statisticsThis unit will provide learners with an introduction to the principles of good experimental design and reporting. The unit aims to develop the scientiﬁc skills and understanding of the learner by encouraging them to effectively research, review, analyse and debate current scientiﬁc theories from the available published literature and draw accurate conclusions or action plans to further scientiﬁc knowledge or support Animal Welfare.Genetically altered animals: breeding and colony managementThis unit will provide learners with the key principles in breeding and maintaining genetically altered mice.Introduction to ﬁrst time managementThe unit will develop knowledge, skills and behaviours appropriate for a ﬁrst line manager. It will develop the learner’s ability to reﬂect on basic problems encountered by a ﬁrst line manager and provide them with techniques for minimising or overcoming these problems.Managing health and safety in the animal facilityThe aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main concepts of health and safety management systems and of the beneﬁts of a positive health and safety culture in the workplace to aid staff welfare. This unit is designed to give learners a detailed and broad understanding of health and safety in the workplace and the legislation that governs it.Managing performance for ﬁrst line managersThe aim of this unit is to develop the learner’s conﬁdence, knowledge and skills to improve work-based performance and support the development of their staff.Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesiaThis unit introduces the theory relating to minor procedures. It provides information about appropriate methods of handling and restraint and describes appropriate techniques for injection, dosing and sampling relevant to the species. It should provide information sufﬁcient for individuals to understand what will be required of them before they go on to be trained in the practical aspects of these skills whilst under supervision.Principles of surgery This unit covers principles of pre-operative animal assessment and care, preparations for surgery including equipment preparation and aseptic technique and the principles of successful surgery. The unit provides information about possible complications, post-operative care and monitoring along with details of the healing process. It also covers more practical elements, for example, the demonstration of commonly used instruments and provides an opportunity for trainees to practice some of the practical aspects of surgical technique, such as methods of suturing, using appropriate non-animal models.Recognition of pain, suffering and distress: species speciﬁcThis unit prepares learners to be able to identify normal condition and behaviour of experimental animals and enable them to differentiate between a normal animal and one which is showing signs of pain, suffering or distress which could be a result of factors including environment, husbandry or the effect of experimental protocols. It will also provide information regarding severity classiﬁcations, cumulative severity and the use of humane endpoints.A new route to IAT Fellowship

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150Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020*This is a mandatory course for IAT FellowshipCourse details for each unit may be found on the College of Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (CLAST) website https://clast.org.uk Assistance with ﬁnancial support may be available from Animals in Science-Education Trust, https://www.as-et.org.uk For IAT Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas or IAT Level 3 Apprenticeships please visit the IAT Education website https://iateducation.co.ukLevel 6Title DescriptionEstablishing a Culture of Care in research facilitiesThis unit will provide the learner with the opportunity to consider the concept of a ‘Culture of Care’ and to discuss ways in which it can be developed within the animal facility.Experimental design for in vivo research*This unit provides a relevant level of understanding of the national and international legal and regulatory framework within which projects are constructed and managed and of their legal responsibilities. The learner must be able to identify, understand and respond appropriately to the ethical and welfare issues raised using animals in scientiﬁc procedures generally and speciﬁcally within their own programme of work. The learner should be able to develop, direct and control a programme of work to achieve its stated objectives, while ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of any regulation governing the project.Genetically altered animals: models, phenotyping principlesThis unit will provide the learner with an understanding of diverse types of genetic models, the available approaches for their phenotypic evaluation, practical and logistic considerations and the challenge to map traits of human relevance in preclinical models.Inﬂuencing people with integrityThis unit will develop skills in inﬂuencing and negotiating effectively and understanding of the importance of integrity, so the learner will be better placed to assert inﬂuence to achieve positive outcomes in the workplace and to access resources and support for their department.Managing changeThe purpose of this unit is to provide the learner with the opportunity to investigate the process of change management and assess the impact it has on the people within the organisation. This unit aims to provide the learner with the tools and techniques to be an agent for change within their organisation.Managing and developing teamsThis unit will provide the learner with the opportunity to investigate processes and models involved in developing and managing effective teams. The unit aims to develop behaviours and skills that enable the learner to effectively manage and develop their team.Managing and driving individual performanceThe purpose of this unit is to develop the learners’ skills in handling difﬁcult conversations around performance. This unit aims to ensure that those completing it can effectively manage and drive improvements in the performance of individual team members.Pain and distress in laboratory animalsUnderstanding, preventing and alleviating pain and distress is a key part of the responsibilities of many animal care staff. This may involve directly evaluating the welfare state of animals and implementing reﬁnements to their care or participating in the ethical review process and contributing to the harm: beneﬁt analysis of research projects.This unit provides an overview of pain and distress in laboratory animals, introduces pain and nociception and current concepts of Animal Welfare. It provides detailed information on evaluating and managing pain in rodents and an overview of pain in larger species and in non-mammalian species. The evaluation of severity of research procedures is discussed, together with the issues surrounding cumulative severity and retrospective assessment of procedures.Project planning: principles and practices for successThe aim of the unit is to develop the skills and knowledge of the learner so they can apply the key principles of planning, preparing, implementation and reviewing the delivery of a project in the LAS setting, achieving the project objectives with the expected performance for time, cost, quality, scope, beneﬁt and risk.Strategic thinkingThis unit will provide the learner with the opportunity to develop an understanding of strategic thinking and the range of approaches available to support that. The unit aims to develop behaviours and skills that enable the learner to understand, inﬂuence and drive strategy within their organisation.Thesis/ ProjectThe aim of this unit is to allow the learner to demonstrate the broad range of skills and knowledge they have in the ﬁeld of animal technology. It would be suitable for those interested in the IAT Fellowship.A new route to IAT Fellowship

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151August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2023 Animal Technology and WelfareIntroductionUnder The Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 Amended Regulations 2012 (ASPA) there was a requirement to ensure competences remain proﬁcient.1 The Named Training Competency Ofﬁcer (NTCO) provides assurance to their Establishment Licence Holder (PEL) in order that everyone working with laboratory animals is either undergoing the required level of supervision in their programme of training or is competent to be able to work on their own. There is also the requirement to ensure an ongoing schedule of reassessment. It was perceived with its inclusion in the amended Act,1 as transposed from the EU Directive that this activity would be cost neutral to Establishments.1,2The reassessment frequency should vary between each of the competencies and is dependent on the type of activity that requires assessment. Some Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical for the smooth running of any facility, whereas others less so. If left unattended, the lack of reassessment may lead to drift from the SOP requirement and in turn, potentially inﬂuence animal health and welfare.Between Animal Technologists and scientiﬁc user groups, there is inevitable overlap of competency assessments in both regulated and non-regulated procedures. These types of procedures require identical skills to be able to carry out the procedures proﬁciently and as such, the training to each party requires equal attention to ensure consistency.The approach we have followed, takes into consideration these aspects in designing our management approach:– The roles and responsibilities of all of those involved.– The consequences of failure if the framework is not followed.– Resource planning by the identiﬁcation of trainers and assessors with the correct set of skills. We asked ourselves these questions:– How could we deﬁne the frequency of reassessment?– How many reassessments would we need to carry out each year?– What was the repetitiveness of each task?– What would the impact level to our laboratory animals be when the SOP was not followed?– How complex was the task?– What are our available resources to ensure legislative compliance?Here we present the approach and structure of this process to aid in the ongoing development of better training and competency for animal users.Competency Reassessment (Management Strategy)*DIANE HAZLEHURST1,2 and JAMES BUSSELL2,31 Queen Mary University of London2 Wellcome Sanger Institute3 University of OxfordCorrespondence: dianehazlehurst@qmul.ac.uk and james.bussell@bms.ox.ac.uk POSTER PRESENTATIONSPreviously presented at: LASA Winter Meeting 151IntroductionA hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis in humansis painful swollen joints. Pain can manifest before anyinflammation is noticeable1,2as well as persist longafter inflammation has resolved.3In rodent models of arthritis, ankle or footpad width isa commonly used surrogate marker of pain ( seeFigure 1).Measur ing footpad wi dth assumes that increasedswelling is proportional to enhanced pain. A mildarthritis phenotype in which there is minimal swellingmay therefore inaccurately reflect the extent of painand discomfort.POSTER PRESENTATIONSOriginally presented at:IAT Congress 2019Assessing pain in models ofRheumatoid ArthritisSAMUEL SINGLETON,1MERIAM NEFLA,1NGAIRE DENNISON,1SIMON ARTHUR2and TIM HALES1School of Life Sciences, Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, University of Dundee,Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK2MRSU and Institute of Academic Anaesthesia, Division of Systems Medicine, NinewellsHospital, University of Dundee, DD1 9SY, UKCorrespondence: s.z.singleton@dundee.ac.ukAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareFigure 1. Footpad width as a surrogate measure of pain in arthritis models. Commonly used methods to assess painare footpad width (A), ankle width (B) or footpad ankle length (C).BCAAim: We aimed to determine how well pain correlated to footpad widths using the collagen antibody arthritismodel.August20:Animal Technology and Welfare 12/8/20 07:54 Page 151

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152Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020ApproachAttaining competence in a skill is a milestone of achievement for individuals. It is not easy to devise a framework to ensure competencies remain current and up to date. The reassessment frequency may be very difﬁcult to manage for NTCOs, animal facility managers and Project Licence Holders (PPL). How should the NTCO on the behalf of the PEL ensure a robust system is in place to ensure assurance that everyone who works with animals is being regularly reassessed?The development of the strategyThe reassessment frequency was initially designed as kinetic based i.e. the practicalities of performing the task. This is due to the hands on approach used throughout the industry and this was dependent on the following:Score numberTimeframe from reassessmentScore 6 6-month reviewsScore 5 12-month reviewsScore 4 18-month reviewsScore 3 24-month reviewsScore 2 24-month reviewsTable 1. A scoring system developed using a risk-based approach.Impact to animal health and welfare scoring systemScore numberLow 1Medium 2High 3Table 2. The impact to animal health and welfare if a task was not carried out correctly.Complexity of the taskScore numberLow 1Medium 2High 3Table 3. How difﬁcult the task would be to per form.Table 4 is a snapshot of the initial spreadsheet. These initial ﬁgures were based on 70 technicians, 197 users, 169 reassessment of competencies and the potential review of 100% to provide full assurance or would a subset of the population to give an indicative level of competency e.g. 20%.The formula to work out the reassessment period was:Impact x complexity = reassessment score/reassessment periodTable 4. Calculation of reassessment period.TitleSOP NoVersion NoImpact level on animals if not carried out correctlyComplexity of the taskFrequency of the taskReassessment scoreReassessment period (in months)Infection mice pre checksAP1 1 High Medium Daily 5 12Intradermal injectionAP2 1 Medium Medium Monthly 4 18Preparation of experimental studyAP3 1 High High Daily 6 6Welfare assessment of mice in the RSFAP4 3 High Medium Daily 5 124 Complexity of the task Score number Low 1 Medium 2 High 3 Table 3, How difficult the task would be to perform: Table 4 is a snapshot of the initial spreadsheet. These initial figures were based on 70 technicians, 197 users, 169 reassessment of competencies and the potential review of 100% to provide full assurance or would a subset of the population to give an indicative level of competency e.g. 20%. The formula to work out the reassessment period was: Impact x complexity = reassessment score/reassessment period Title SOP No Version No Impact level on animals if not carried out correctly Complexity of the task Frequency of the task Reassessment score Reassessment period (in months) Infection mice pre checks AP1 1 High Medium Daily 5 12 Intradermal injection AP2 1 Medium Medium Monthly 4 18 Preparation of experimental study AP3 1 High High Daily 6 6 Welfare assessment of mice in the RSF AP4 3 High Medium Daily 5 12 Table 4. Calculation of reassessment period The decision regarding who should be reassessed, the frequency and which competency, without the use of an electronic training and competency system was difficult. These findings were based on everyone carrying out each competency as per the risk-based schedule above. Poster Presentations

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153August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareThe decision regarding who should be reassessed, the frequency and which competency, without the use of anelectronic training and competency system was difﬁcult. These ﬁndings were based on everyone carrying out each competency as per the risk-based schedule above.The assumption on Table 5 was that each assessor would work 46 weeks per year, 1,702 hours per year and it would take 1 hour per reassessment. To do this would require 28 full time assessors. If we took a 20% sample size for each competency we would require 6 full time assessors.Dilemmas– Ever yone should need to be reassessed on every competency. – 20% sample size for each type of competency reassessment will not provide assurance, a minimum of 6 full time assessors to reassess competencies only (holiday is included but not unplanned absenteeism).Table 5. Number of reassessments per year.Frequency of reassessmentsNumber of reassessments per year per frequencyTotal number of reassessments per yearNumber of people100% of people reassessed20% of people reassessedScore 6 – 6 month reassessments41 82 267 21,894 4,379Score 5 – 12 month reassessments47 47 267 12,549 2,510Score 4 – 18 month reassessments52 35 267 9,345 1,869Score 3 and 2 – 24 month reassessments29 15 267 4,005 801Totals 169 179 267 47,793 9,559Score of frequency Frequency of task 1 12 months2 6 months3 1 month4 Weekly5 DailyTable 6. Task frequency ranging from daily to yearly.The schedule was continually amended and balancing factors were introduced (see table 6):– Frequency of the task. The formula used to work out how often a task needed to be performed was – impact x complexity x frequency = reassessment score/reassessment period.Reassessment score (Range)Reassessment time frame in months2-10 3611-19 2420-29 1830-45 12Table 7. Shows the reassessment time frame in months.The multiplication of all factors allows a risk vs resource calculation to inform the schedule i.e. Impact x complexity x frequency = score and time scheduleThis approach was based on assessors, NTCO, Named Animal Care and Welfare Ofﬁcers (NACWOs) and PPLs carrying out kinetic spot checks whilst activities are being performed and theory reassessments. The theory reassessments were and will be created by the Facility Training Team and team assessors. These encompass a Poster Presentations

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154Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020variety of multiple choice questions and answers, open questions to allow free text, the provision of quizzes and interactive presentations with groups of Animal Technicians and users using Turning Point software and the evidence can be placed in the individuals training folders. Because the introduction of theory reassessments will reduce the amount of time assessors will need, the impact on the other daily activities is minimised.A training and competency framework was introduced that consisted of SOPs, Training Plans (probationary, further training, regulated and non-regulated, Research Support Facility (RSF) Users), technician skill matrix, identiﬁcation of trainers and assessors, competency assessments for probationary, further training, RSF Users, regulated and non-regulated procedures training plans.The questions asked on the assessment sheets will be used for the reassessments to maintain continuity.When a competency reassessment is failed, the individual will be retrained in the required competency.Assessors will perform spot checks throughout the year to support the reassessment schedule and document these in the individuals training folder. This will be a challenge for assessors and the NTCO to ensure reassessments Table 8. Shows the frequency of the task.TitleSOP NoVersion NoImpact level on animals if not carried out correctlyComplexity of the taskFrequency of the taskReassessment scoreReassessment period (in months)Monitoring and Reporting of Sick AnimalsAH1 4 3 2 5 30 12Mating Faculty Chimeras for GLTAH10 1 2 1 4 8 36Assessment of MGP chimeras to obtain Germ Line TransmissionAH11 2 2 1 4 8 36Teeth Clipping of MiceAH12 3 3 1 4 12 24Export of animals to external facilitiesAH13 1 3 2 4 24 18Fostering AH14 1 3 2 4 24 18Euthanasia of rodents using a risking concentration of carbon dioxide gas using adapted lidsAH15 1 3 3 5 45124 Complexity of the task Score number Low 1 Medium 2 High 3 Table 3, How difficult the task would be to perform: Table 4 is a snapshot of the initial spreadsheet. These initial figures were based on 70 technicians, 197 users, 169 reassessment of competencies and the potential review of 100% to provide full assurance or would a subset of the population to give an indicative level of competency e.g. 20%. The formula to work out the reassessment period was: Impact x complexity = reassessment score/reassessment period Title SOP No Version No Impact level on animals if not carried out correctly Complexity of the task Frequency of the task Reassessment score Reassessment period (in months) Infection mice pre checks AP1 1 High Medium Daily 5 12 Intradermal injection AP2 1 Medium Medium Monthly 4 18 Preparation of experimental study AP3 1 High High Daily 6 6 Welfare assessment of mice in the RSF AP4 3 High Medium Daily 5 12 Table 4. Calculation of reassessment period The decision regarding who should be reassessed, the frequency and which competency, without the use of an electronic training and competency system was difficult. These findings were based on everyone carrying out each competency as per the risk-based schedule above. Poster Presentations

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155August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and Welfareare up to date. The introduction of an electronic training and competency system will complement this approach.By doing this will allow full assurance to the PEL that all technicians and users maintain up to date competencies and the evidence will be documented to provide evidence to the Home Ofﬁce Inspector and for audit purposes. A record of issues is maintained by the NACWOs which is closely monitored to ensure that when mistakes occur, they are rectiﬁed.Conclusion, moving forward– By trialling this system and the introduction of an electronic training system should provide assurance to our PEL that competencies remain current.– Key per formance indicators are set to monitor training outcomes to see if there are any patterns developing and provide assurance to the PEL that the Establishment Licence is being upheld.Phase 2– Reassessments remain current. – Record of issues is reduced. – Provide PEL with 100% assuranceAcknowledgementsBallantyne, SelinaDr Dougherty, MartinHitcham, MarieDr Karp, NatashaFigure 1. Flow diagram of the reassessment of competencies.References1 The Animals (Scientiﬁc Procedures) Act 1986 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/ 97801115303132 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientiﬁc purposes. www.legislation.gov.uk/eudr/ 2010/63PassDo not need to be reassessed until the next timeReassessments of competencies by theory tests FailNeed to undertake retrainingRetraining by practical and theory organised by the assessor as per the Training and Competency FrameworkSet up key performance indicators to monitor success of reassessment and retrainingPoster Presentations

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156Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Animal Technology and Welfare August 2023IntroductionDuring the past months at Newcastle University, we have been focussing our efforts on improving the life experience of our experimental rats (Rattus norvegicus). After our initial investigation we noted there appeared to be a large discrepancy between the resources readily available and used for rats, when compared to our other rodent species mouse (Mus musculus). As our rodent technicians primarily work between both rodent areas this was highlighted as an area for improvement – working in line with and championing the NC3Rs’ Principle of Reﬁnement.Rat playpens – the effect on welfare, technical time and budget BETHANY TOUGH University of Newcastle Correspondence: Bethany.Tough@newcastle.ac.uk Figure 1. Equipment used to provide aerial enrichment. 3 Ventilated Cage (IVC) home cage. We repurposed a mouse IVC cage base for floor-based enrichment filled with sizzle and to hide forage in, sourced naturally dyed wooden chew disks and rolling treat balls. These were chosen to encourage burrowing, foraging, as well as giving animals a “safe space” to nest in or use to hide (figure 1). Figure 1 Figure 1. Equipment used to provide aerial enrichment. 3 Ventilated Cage (IVC) home cage. We repurposed a mouse IVC cage base for floor-based enrichment filled with sizzle and to hide forage in, sourced naturally dyed wooden chew disks and rolling treat balls. These were chosen to encourage burrowing, foraging, as well as giving animals a “safe space” to nest in or use to hide (figure 1). Figure 1 Figure 1. Equipment used to provide aerial enrichment. 3 Ventilated Cage (IVC) home cage. We repurposed a mouse IVC cage base for floor-based enrichment filled with sizzle and to hide forage in, sourced naturally dyed wooden chew disks and rolling treat balls. These were chosen to encourage burrowing, foraging, as well as giving animals a “safe space” to nest in or use to hide (figure 1). Figure 1 Figure 1. Equipment used to provide aerial enrichment. The conceptAs an establishment that also houses primate species, we opted to follow the approach of repurposing disused marmoset cages to create a multi-level engaging space for our rats to be able to explore. To allow the rats to exhibit a broader more complete set of their natural behaviours we sourced and introduced an extensive range of tactile aerial and ﬂoor-based enrichment. Aerial enrichment included: hanging forage feeders, ropes, ladders, hides and hammocks. This was introduced in the hope to encourage the rats to display their natural climbing ability and rearing which can be inhibited in the Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) home cage. We repurposed a mouse IVC cage base for ﬂoor-based enrichment ﬁlled with sizzle and to hide forage in, sourced naturally dyed wooden chew disks and rolling treat balls. These were chosen to encourage burrowing, foraging, as well as giving animals a safe space to nest in or use to hide (ﬁgure 1).ImplementationOur main obstacle was researcher participation. This was a new concept and there was initial reluctance from groups who were already conducting studies and wanted to avoid introducing variability. We initially trialled the use of the pens with rats from research groups that were predominantly tissue collection (ﬁgure 2).Technical time implications Initially there was a draw on technical time as the rats were supervised during habituation. As the rats used the pens more, this steadily decreased as duration within the pens increased. By the end of the initial week, the draw on technical time had reduced to approximately 10 minutes extra in the morning and then again when Following posters originally presented at: IAT Congress 2023

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157August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePoster Presentationsremoving from the pens. The largest draw on technician time was the time it took to arrange food rewards within the cage to stimulate foraging, followed by the cleaning of the cages and resetting.Monetary issues and how to overcome Following the economic turndown in light of the COVID-19 pandemic we were keen to repurpose supplies where we could keep the cost of this project to a minimum. Disused marmoset cages were divided into quadrants to maximise the number of pens we could create from one cage. IVC mouse cages were sizzle boxes but in the absence of these we have also used cardboard glove boxes. The main unavoidable outlay was the initial cost of the species speciﬁc enrichment. To keep this to a minimum we chose enrichment that were both durable and washable. This meant we could order less of the larger items as they are washable and could be shared between cages.Figure 2. Two Sprague Dawley rats interacting with aerial enrichment.What we initially foundOnce initial habituation to the cages had been completed, we observed the rats showing signs of excitement both in their home cage prior to being interacted with and then again once they were within the playpens. Increased movement was seen along with rearing, climbing, active foraging, digging and burrowing. As well as more positive personal interactions we also observed more interaction between the rats themselves including pinning, rough-housing and mutual grooming. The largest improvement we saw was the increase in positive interactions between the rats and the technicians. The rats became markedly easier to handle and became more forthcoming in their desire to interact (ﬁgure 3).Editor’s note: Rough-housing – the act of rough or boisterous play. 5 External Comms sent to all users currently housing or that have housed rats within the last 12 months Initial introduction of play pen use with animals used for tissue collections. To allow habituation this was constrained to 1 hour per day before building up to full day use. Uptake steadily increase as research groups saw the pens set up with the rats playing in them. Communication is now open with allgroups regarding use. Figure 3. Rat interacting with technical staff.Future improvementsWe are aiming to conduct in-house research to pinpoint the duration of time the rats should be in the pens before it either becomes unstimulating or detrimental to them. Once this has been completed, we hope to gain Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) support and reinforcement to include the use of rat playpens and enrichment into our Code of Best Practice, meaning that all users who house rats with us in the future, unless there is an extenuating scientiﬁc reason, will have to allow their rats time in the pens. We will also be evaluating the favourability of the toys provided to determine which have the best positive effect.8 Figure 3. Rat interacting with technical staff. Future Improvements: We are aiming to conduct in-house research to pinpoint the duration of time the rats should be in the pens for before it either becomes unstimulating or detrimental to them. Once this has been completed, we hope to gain Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) support and reinforcement to include the use of Rat Playpens and enrichment into our Code of Best Practice, meaning that all users who house rats with us in the future, unless there is an extenuating scientific reason, will have to allow their rats time in the pens. We will 5 External Comms sent to all users currently housing or that have housed rats within the last 12 months Initial introduction of play pen use with animals used for tissue collections. To allow habituation this was constrained to 1 hour per day before building up to full day use. Uptake steadily increase as research groups saw the pens set up with the rats playing in them. Communication is now open with allgroups regarding use.

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158Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Animal Technology and Welfare August 2023IntroductionEnsuring an adequate health status of laboratory rodentsused in biomedical research has become a key priority for facilities everywhere.Health screening boosts research by monitoring the presence of infectious agents which can compromise theanimals’ health and become a confounding factor.The history of rodent pathogen control is linked with theadvancements in rodent husbandry, laboratory animalscience and the development of new diagnostic methods.¹Moving away from soiled bedding sentinels –the (R) evolution in rodent health screeningKARLA ESPARZA Charles River UKCorrespondence: Karla.Esparza@crl.com protozoa) that are not easily transmitted to SBS, especially when in low prevalence, such as for rodents housed in Individually Ventilated Cages (IVCs).¹,²,³Poorly transmitted agents include Mouse adenovirus, Sendivirus, PVM, Rodentibacter spp, Mycoplasmas pulmonis, Giardia spp and Spironuleus spp.(R) evolutional health monitoring methodsDuring the last decade, researchers have proposed alternative sentinel free methods to monitor the health status of rodents housed mainly in IVCs, which include the collection of samples from (see ﬁ gure 1 to 4).2,5– Colony animals (i.e. direct sampling via fresh faecal pellets, body swabs and oral swabs).– Environment (e.g. swabbing of cages, work stations and biosafety cabinets).– Exhaust air duct (EAD), (i.e. dust, debris, fur and microorganisms removed actively by IVC exhaust fansand collected using swabs or vendor in-line collection devices).– Recently, soiled bedding agitation via contact media (e.g. PathogenBinder™) has been proposed as an alternative sampling method for IVC systems that cannot accommodate EAD.6,7 Agitation exposes thecollection media to dust particles allowing the collectionof associated infectious agent, nucleic acid.In addition, the development of molecular diagnostic assays such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) usingTaqMan chemistr y provides extremely sensitive and speciﬁ cmethods to evaluate the current status of animals.1,2IntroductionEnsuring an adequate health status of laboratory rodents used in biomedical research has become a key priority for facilities everywhere.Health screening boosts research by monitoring the presence of infectious agents which can compromise the animals health and become a confounding factor.The history of rodent pathogen control is linked with the advancements in rodent husbandry, laboratory animal science and the development of new diagnostic methods ¹ .Traditional health monitoring methodsTraditional systems consisted of Soiled Bedding Sentinels (SBS (i.e. animals exposed to dirty bedding from colony animals)) tested using conventional diagnostic methods which require the euthanasia of SBS.Numerous studies have demonstrated that SBS may notaccurately represent a colony’s health status. There are several pathogens (e.g. viruses, bacteria, parasites and

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159August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfarePoster PresentationsFigure 1.Figure 2.Direct Sampling(R) evolutional health monitoring methodsDuring the last decade, researchers have proposed alternative sentinel free methods to monitor the health status of rodents housed mainly in IVC, which include the collection of samples from (see figure 1 to 4)², ⁵.• Colony animals (i.e. direct sampling via fresh faecal pellets, body swabs, and oral swabs).(R) evolutional health monitoring methodsDuring the last decade, researchers have proposed alternative sentinel free methods to monitor the health status of rodents housed mainly in IVC, which include the collection of samples from (see figure 1 to 4)², ⁵.• Colony animals (i.e. direct sampling via fresh faecal pellets, body swabs, and oral swabs).Advantages:– Sentinel-free method possible.– Increased capacity to detect low transmission agents compared to SBS.Disadvantages:– Requires manipulation of animals.– Can be disruptive to studies.– Single time point collection.– Sample size.Environmental SamplingFigure 1• Environment (e.g. swabbing of cages, work stations and biosafety cabinets).Figure 2• Exhaust air duct (EAD) (i.e. dust, debris, fur and microorganisms removed actively by IVC exhaust fans and collected using swabs or vendor in-line collection devices).Advantages:– Reduced cost compared to SBS.– Can be adapted to a wide range of caging systems.Disadvantages:– Prone to inter- user variations if procedure not standardised.– Requires manipulation of cages/air ducts.Figure 3.Figure 4.Exhaust Air DustFigure 3• Recently, soiled bedding agitation via contact media (e.g. PathogenBinder™) has been proposed as an alternative sampling method for IVC systems that cannot accommodate EAD⁶,⁷. Agitation exposes the collection media to dust Advantages:– Standardised sampling method.– Time saving.– Increased capacity of agent detection compared to SBS.Disadvantages:– Requires purchase of ﬁ lter holders.– Prone to false positives if ducts/ holders not cleaned properly between sampling points.Sentinel-Free Contact Media Agitationparticles allowing the collection of associated infectious agent nucleic acid.Figure 4In addition, the development of molecular diagnostic assays such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using TaqMan chemistry provides Advantages:– Can be adapted to all caging systems.– Low cost.– Non dependent on agent transmission.Disadvantages:– Requires manual agitation of bedding.– Prone to inter- user variations if procedure not standardised.

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160Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020ConclusionsA wide range of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of alternative sentinel free methods to detect rodent pathogens. Such ﬁ ndings could have majorimplications for the 3Rs principles of animal research by reducing or replacing the use of animals as sentinels.The combination of sentinel free methods with molecular diagnostic assays can be a (R)evolutionary solution for rodent health screening, an option worth exploring for facilities worldwide. References1 Buchheister, S.; Bleich, A. Health Monitoring of Laboratory Rodent Colonies – Talking about (R)evolution. Animals 11.5 (2021), 1410.2 Henderson, K.S., et al. Efﬁ cacy of direct detection of pathogens in naturally infected mice by using a high-density PCR array. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 52.6 (2013): 763-772.3 Mailhiot, D., et al. Comparing mouse health monitoring between soiled-bedding sentinel and Poster Presentationsexhaust air dust surveillance programs. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 59.1 (2020): 58-66.4 Luchins, K.R., et al. Cost comparison of rodent soiled bedding sentinel and exhaust air dust health-monitoring programs. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 59.5 (2020): 508-511.5 Manuel, C.A., Pugazhenthi, U. and Leszczynski, J.K. Surveillance of a ventilated rack system for Corynebacterium bovis by sampling exhaust-air manifolds. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 55.1 (2016): 58-65.6 Winn, C.B., et al. Using ﬁ lter media and soiled bedding in disposable individually ventilated cages as a reﬁ nement to speciﬁ c pathogen- free mouse health monitoring programs. Journal of the AmericanAssociation for Laboratory Animal Science 61.4 (2022): 361-369.7 Momtsios P., Perkins C. and Henderson K.S. PathogenBinder™: A Reﬁ ned and Standardized Soiled-Bedding Sampling Method for the Detection of RodentInfectious Agents (2022). https://www.criver.com/resources/info-pi-rm-pathogenbinder-soiled-bedding-sampling-method-detection-rodent-infectiousAnimal Technologists – professional empathetic steadfastCALL FOR POSTERSCongress2024CONGRESS Invitation to Participate12th March – 15th Marchl take an active part in the leading annual meeting for Animal Technologistsl submit a poster – ﬁnal date Friday 2nd February 2024*l consider giving an oral presentation of your poster as part of the main scientiﬁc programme, it could also be accepted within the ﬁrst time presenter’s category – closing date Friday 8th December 2023*l send your ideas today on the Submission form available from www.iat.org.uk (*posters will not be accepted for display at Congress unless they have been properly submitted and approved by the Congress Committee)l two best posters will receive a prize based on the criteria: animal welfare / scientiﬁc contentl plus claim up to 10 CPD points – details given on acceptance of submissionContact: congress@iat.org.uk

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Mental Health AwarenessLet’s Talk about ... Mental Healthwww.iat.org.ukInstitute of Animal TechnologyCOUNCILEDI GroupEquity, Diversity and InclusionIt’s OK … NOT TO BE OKAY …Let’s Talk about ... Mental HealthManaging Mental Health at work is important for employers and employeesAccording to the Mental Health Foundation, one in six employees experience mental ill health each year.The impact of the pandemic, the increasing cost of living and changes to working practices mean that it is now more important than ever, to put workplace mental health at the top of workplace agendas. Mental health problems can happen suddenly, because of a speciﬁc event in someone’s life, or it can build up gradually over time. There are many types of mental health conditions, for example:l Depressionl Anxiety l Bipolar disorder l SchizophreniaStress is not classed as a medical condition. but it can still be serious and, cause or make worse, other mental health conditions. For example, if you have stress over a long time, this might lead to anxiety or depression.Spotting possible signs of a mental health problem:Not everyone will show obvious signs of poor mental health and it’s important not to make assumptions. But some possible signs at work include:l appearing tired, anxious or withdrawnl increase in sickness absence or being late to workl changes in the standard of a person’s work or focus on tasksl being less interested in tasks they previously enjoyedl changes in usual behaviour, mood or how the person behaves with the people they work withIt can be harder to spot these signs if employees are working from home. It is important for employers to regularly ask their employees how they are doing. They should help them to be open and honest about how they are feeling.Looking after your own mental healthIt is important to look after your mental health at work, ways to support your own mental health are:l Stay in contact with people – talk to people you work with or friends about how you are feeling. Talk to others in your facility, Mental Health First Aiders, Occupational Health, Your Manager.l Have a routine so you plan in advance what you’ll be doing each day.l Keep active and exercise.l Make time for activities you enjoy.l Reﬂect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not.Looking after Employees’ Mental HealthThe sooner an employer becomes aware of a mental health problem, the sooner they can provide help and support.Whilst many of the reasons behind poor mental health will not be work-related, evidence shows that employers who, reduce stigma, improve management capability and increase self-support, markedly help their employees to remain productive and stay in work. What can I do as a manager?l Be open in facilities about Mental Health awareness.l Talk regularly with individuals and teams.l Address workload issues and add additional rest breaks if required.l Organise and promote positive social events e.g. cake in the tearoom, walks at lunchtime.l Recognise signs of mental ill health and take advice on how to support staff members, this may be from HR, Occupational Health, organisational support networks or Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) in the Organisation.References and for further support and informationhttps://www.acas.org.uk/supporting-mental-health-workplacehttps://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/online-mental-health-supporthttps://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/support-groups/

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164Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020IntroductionCulture of Care is a widely used term within the laboratory animal industry context which ensures a long-term commitment to the welfare of the animals, the careof the Animal Technicians that look after the animals inresearch, clear and consistent transparency and ensuringthe highest quality of scientiﬁ c research (ﬁ gure 1).Care through training: how training can beneﬁ t a Culture of Care DAVE BLACK Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, The University of Edinburgh Correspondence: David.black@ed.ac.uk Beneﬁ ts to animalsHaving a strong training programme in place has proven to be beneﬁ cial to the animal’s health and wellbeing but several other aspects of the Animal Technician’s work too.These are:– Animals are provided with husbandry and care of the highest standards, above what is enshrined in ASPA. Healthy animals are happy animals.–Care is provided by highly skilled, trained professionals.– Animal Technicians strive to continuously improve thestandards of care above and beyond what is expected(ﬁ gure 2).– The data gathered from experiments is more reliable and accurate.– Good reliable, accurate data can also reduce the number of animals and reduce the need for more experiments to be undertaken.Figure 1.Culture of Care. IntroductionCulture of Care is a widely used term within the laboratory animal industry context which ensures a long-term commitment to the welfare of the animals, the care of the Animal Technicians that look after the animals in research, clear and consistent transparency and ensuring the highest quality of scientific research (figure 1)Culture of Care is regarding going above and beyond whatis enshrined in the Animals (Scientiﬁ c Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), to ensure the highest level of respect and compassion to the animals as well as the Animal Technicians who are responsible for their care.Figure 2.• Good reliable, accurate data can also reduce the number of animals and reduce the need for more experiments to be undertaken. Figure 2 Background The Bioresearch and Veterinary Services (BVS) team consisting of Animal Technicians within the University of Edinburgh believe that the Culture of Care for animals used in research, Animal Technicians and research staff is of great importance and strive to actively promote a strong Culture of Care. Our vision is to instill a strong Culture of Care to ensure the following: BackgroundThe Bioresearch and Veterinary Services (BVS) team consists of Animal Technicians within the University of Edinburgh who believe that the Culture of Care for animals used in research, Animal Technicians and research staffis of great importance and strives to actively promote a strong Culture of Care. Animal Technology and Welfare August 2023

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165August 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareAugust 2020 Animal Technology and WelfareOur vision is to instil a strong Culture of Care to ensure the following:– To provide animals in research with the highest standard of care.–To ensure the scientiﬁ c information and data gatheredare of the highest quality.– Equip Animal Technicians with the knowledge andtraining to support them in giving the highest standardof care for the animals.– Ensure that Animal Technicians’ wellbeing is prioritised to guarantee they feel respected, valued and enjoy being involved within the research industry.– Actively promote a Culture of Care as our standard approach not a reactionary approach (ﬁ gure 3).– Training Coordinators were trained by experienced research staff who then trained Animal Technicians to ensure both staff and skill retention.–Senior researchers beneﬁ tted from a reduced trainingworkload as this became the Training Coordinators role.– The Facility Management team saved on average 6 to7 hours per week that was normally spent on booking,organising and carrying out training.– Animal Technicians felt more appreciated and valued and had a better understanding of the Culture of Care.–Animal Technicians received a high standard of trainingin up-to-date methods.– Animal Technicians had more opportunities to learn specialist techniques from an experienced in-house training team.–Most importantly Animal Technicians felt they providedanimals with the highest standards of care possible.Initial responseAll personal licence holders (PIL) and BVS members of staff were invited to express their views on four areas of the Culture of Care which they would like to learn more about. • improving animal care and welfare • support for personal wellbeing • improving scientiﬁ c quality • openness and transparency In response to the survey and facility discussions, aCulture of Care Day was organised by BVS’s in house 3Rs’Committee with focussed talks and panel discussions on the four topics. This opportunity reiterates the importance of Culture of Care not only towards the animals involved in research but also to everyone involved in the care of animals and research staff. Three additional events were organised to support our Culture of Care.1. A public engagement training workshop provided by Understanding Animal Research (UAR). 2. A workshop to discuss the impact of working with animals in research and dealing with compassion and empathy fatigue.3. Mental health ﬁ rst aid training for all managers initially, which was then offered to other BVS staff by an independent training provider.Figure 3.• To provide animals in research with the highest standard of care. • To ensure the scientific information and data gathered is of the highest quality. • Provide Animal Technicians with the knowledge and training to support them to provide the highest standard of care for the animals. • Ensure that Animal Technicians wellbeing is prioritised to guarantee they feel respected, valued and enjoy being involved within the research industry. • Actively promote a Culture of Care as our standard approach not a reactionary approach (figure 3) Figure 3 Benefits to people • To provide animals in research with the highest standard of care. • To ensure the scientific information and data gathered is of the highest quality. • Provide Animal Technicians with the knowledge and training to support them to provide the highest standard of care for the animals. • Ensure that Animal Technicians wellbeing is prioritised to guarantee they feel respected, valued and enjoy being involved within the research industry. • Actively promote a Culture of Care as our standard approach not a reactionary approach (figure 3) Figure 3 Benefits to people Beneﬁ ts to peopleAfter Training Coordinators were introduced and were in position for 3 months, the following beneﬁ ts were noted in one of our facilities:– Animal Technicians were able to fully focus on husbandry tasks at busy times without distractions.– PhD/masters students beneﬁ tted from having a designated Training Coordinator to contact and who would be present during their studies.Poster Presentations

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166Animal Technology and Welfare August 2020Ongoing commitmentTo remind staff of our commitment to provide a Culture of Care. Posters and pamphlets were designed and distributed throughout our facilities to reiterate our long-term commitment to Culture of Care and were displayed in the technical, social and laboratory areas. We will continue to hold Culture of Care Days and encourageand prioritise the importance through education and training (ﬁ gure 4).The importance of trainingThe University of Edinburgh is a large Establishment with 112 members of the BVS technical team, over 800 PIL holders and 171 PPL holders. The Establishment is based across 12 facilities with a range of species.Providing a consistent, high standard training programme for all our students and staff working with animals in research is essential to our Culture of Care. We developed a team of Training Coordinators who work together to ensure our training programme is available to all those at the Establishment.The team is responsible under the direction of the NamedTraining and Competency Ofﬁ cer (NTCO) to organise andperform the training and assessments of research and technical staff as well as create a team of trainers. Our training team has nearly 100 years of combined experience in the research industry.The remit of the Training Coordinators was to provide thefollowing:– Education for all staff members regardless of grade, role or experience on the importance of Culture of Care from both an animal and human perspective.– Ensure training in both husbandry and procedural skills is carried out adhering to our departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and high standards.– Promote Culture of Care through interactions with staff and students and ensuring the 3Rs are met (ﬁ gure 5).Figure 4.We will continue to hold Culture of Care Days and encourage and prioritise the importance through education and training (figure 4). Figure 4 Moving forward During the discussions, and within the survey results, there were a few questions that were often asked. These were: • What is the best way to encourage and educate staff in our vision of Culture of Care? • Who is best placed to champion and encourage our vision? Moving forwardDuring the discussions, and within the survey results, there were a few questions that were often asked. Thesewere:– What is the best way to encourage and educate staff in our vision of Culture of Care?– Who is best placed to champion and encourage our vision?– When is the best time to make staff aware of the Culture of Care and its importance and beneﬁ ts to the animals and staff?The answers to these questions will continue to form the foundations for our Culture of Care vision.Figure 5.Figure 5 Acknowledgements: Dr Mel Leech, Simon Cumming, William Mungall and Richard Trojca Figure 5 Acknowledgements: Dr Mel Leech, Simon Cumming, William Mungall and Richard Trojca Figure 5 Acknowledgements: Dr Mel Leech, Simon Cumming, William Mungall and Richard Trojca Figure 5 Acknowledgements: Dr Mel Leech, Simon Cumming, William Mungall and Richard Trojca AcknowledgementsDr Mel Leech, Simon Cumming, William Mungall and Richard Trojca.Poster Presentations