Due to technology advancements, efforts are made to save several animal and other endangered species which were before at the verge of extinction. Technology has not only helped to cure diseases of animals but also to promote their good health. Like humans, animals also need several nutrients and other food supplements which they don’t get from the food they eat. By technology advances in the field of medical research, animals are able to live longer and by several simple tests, we can now have access to their needs.
Some of the latest research on animal care:
SOME LATEST SURVEYS
NEW RESEARCH & ADVANCEMENTS:
Future Research based on the current research going on:
2025 VISION
ANIMAL PROCEDURE
Understanding the impact of research on animal welfare and its relevance to scientific quality
All scientists understand the benefits of the 3Rs to their own research and are committed to advancing the 3Rs
We NEED TO
Increase the number of scientists engaged in the 3Rs n Provide relevant 3Rs training to scientists at all stages of their career n Expand cross-discipline and cross-sector collaborations which advance the 3Rs
Places where animal research is carried out: embedding the 3Rs in the organisational culture
Table 2: New technologies and their potential impact on animal use (continued)
Research priorities and trends Potential impact on animal use
Mathematical informatics and in silico modelling Increased use of mathematical modelling in various areas (e.g. oncology, infectious diseases) could reduce animal use. Development of populationbased models to extrapolate from studies in the laboratory to the real life situation in the field (e.g. ecotoxicology) will improve their validity and uptake. Use of big data and large scale bioinformatics approaches to inform in silico modelling approaches will increase their predictive accuracy.
Microsampling Increased use of more sensitive methods of quantification of drugs and chemicals (e.g. mass spectrometry) enables smaller blood samples to be taken from animals. Microsampling will lead to fewer animals being used per study and has the potential to have impact across efficacy, pharmacology and toxicology studies
Non-mammalian models Increased use of Drosophila, zebrafish and cell lines from non-mammalian species (e.g. fish). Reduction in the use of mammalian species for disease modelling, safety and toxicology (e.g. reproductive toxicology). Fish metabolism studies in vitro could reduce the need for fish bioaccumulation testing.
Some of the latest research on animal care:
- Penguin robot helps researchers get close and personal. Penguin-bot: Remote-controlled rovers disguised as penguins could reduce stress to wild animals during behavioral research.
SOME LATEST SURVEYS
- The survey, commissioned by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), a UK Government-sponsored scientific organization, found that only 59% of the 271 randomly chosen articles assessed stated the hypothesis or objective of the study, and the number and characteristics of the animals used (i.e., species/strain, sex, and age/weight). Most of the papers surveyed did not report using randomization (87%) or blinding (86%) to reduce bias in animal selection and outcome assessment. Only 70% of the publications that used statistical methods fully described them and presented the results with a measure of precision or variability(Kilkenny C, 2009).
NEW RESEARCH & ADVANCEMENTS:
- Research on developing non-animal methods like vitro research, computer modeling to save animals from product development and drug testing.
- Research on animal cloning by cloning their DNA to save animal species which are at the verge of distinction and for the testing of medicines to cure their diseases.
- Research on new discoveries and facts about animals.
- Nowadays, several housing facilities and services are given to the animals. To provide an excellence in research support to all researchers, “Animal Care Committee (ACC)” by Animal Care Services (ACS).
- Several changes have been made and guidelines have been set for Standard Operating Procedures which promote long life and good health of animals.
- In the field of education, special Animal Health Technology Programs are offered to the students that help people learn more about the animals.
- Several mission have been started to research on several areas that are necessary for animal care like food, bio economy, biodiversity, their behavior, bio hazards etc.
- Advances in veterinary medicine have helped to reduce the loss of farm and herd animals to sickness and disease, saving livelihoods all over the world. Vaccines and veterinary medicines are also used in conservation projects, helping protect endangered species by reducing the risk of disease.
- Special pet care training and education for learning animal behavior and for making them learn necessary stuff for themselves.
Future Research based on the current research going on:
- Better medications
- Discovery of new facts by noting human behavior to learn more about animals and save them.
- Spreading social awareness among people, especially children that they are human’s friends.
- Better veterinary facilities available everywhere.
- Research on the non-curable diseases to save future animal species.
- Research on cloning animal species.
- Developing non-animal methods to save animals being a part of any tests for a product development.
- Development of more Animal Resource Centers to provide high-quality care to the animals and facilitate research and teaching.
- Several mission have been started to research on several areas that are necessary for animal care like food, bio economy, biodiversity, their behavior, bio hazards etc.
2025 VISION
ANIMAL PROCEDURE
Understanding the impact of research on animal welfare and its relevance to scientific quality
All scientists understand the benefits of the 3Rs to their own research and are committed to advancing the 3Rs
We NEED TO
Increase the number of scientists engaged in the 3Rs n Provide relevant 3Rs training to scientists at all stages of their career n Expand cross-discipline and cross-sector collaborations which advance the 3Rs
Places where animal research is carried out: embedding the 3Rs in the organisational culture
Table 2: New technologies and their potential impact on animal use (continued)
Research priorities and trends Potential impact on animal use
Mathematical informatics and in silico modelling Increased use of mathematical modelling in various areas (e.g. oncology, infectious diseases) could reduce animal use. Development of populationbased models to extrapolate from studies in the laboratory to the real life situation in the field (e.g. ecotoxicology) will improve their validity and uptake. Use of big data and large scale bioinformatics approaches to inform in silico modelling approaches will increase their predictive accuracy.
Microsampling Increased use of more sensitive methods of quantification of drugs and chemicals (e.g. mass spectrometry) enables smaller blood samples to be taken from animals. Microsampling will lead to fewer animals being used per study and has the potential to have impact across efficacy, pharmacology and toxicology studies
Non-mammalian models Increased use of Drosophila, zebrafish and cell lines from non-mammalian species (e.g. fish). Reduction in the use of mammalian species for disease modelling, safety and toxicology (e.g. reproductive toxicology). Fish metabolism studies in vitro could reduce the need for fish bioaccumulation testing.