Supporting Ethical Research Through Proper Tools

Laboratory animals play a vital role in advancing biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental research. However, their well-being and ethical treatment are just as crucial as the outcomes of the research itself. Institutions worldwide now follow strict animal welfare guidelines, and the equipment used in vivariums (animal research facilities) is central to ensuring that animals are housed, handled, and cared for humanely.

This guide introduces top equipment and technologies that promote humane treatment of lab animals while improving research quality and regulatory compliance.

🐁 Why Humane Animal Care Matters

Ethical animal care isn’t just about meeting standards—it directly affects:

  • Animal health and comfort

  • Accuracy and reliability of research

  • Compliance with global welfare regulations (like AAALAC, IACUC, CPCSEA)

  • Reputation of the research institution

Stress, improper housing, or inadequate sanitation can skew results and cause unnecessary suffering. Hence, choosing the right lab animal equipment is both a scientific and moral responsibility.

🏠 1. Animal Housing Systems

Proper housing provides a stress-free, clean, and enriched environment.

a) Individually Ventilated Cages (IVCs)

  • Ensures fresh air circulation with HEPA-filtered airflow

  • Reduces disease transmission between animals

  • Controls odor and allergens in the lab environment

b) Static Cages

  • Suitable for short-term housing or low-risk animals

  • Cost-effective but requires regular monitoring

c) Enriched Cages

  • Includes shelters, nesting material, chew blocks, or exercise wheels

  • Encourages natural behavior and reduces boredom or aggression

Recommended Brands: Tecniplast, Allentown, Lab Products

🧼 2. Cage and Rack Washers

Cleanliness is critical in vivariums. Cage and rack washers are used to sanitize housing and equipment without harming animals or technicians.

Features to Look For:

  • High-temperature, programmable wash cycles

  • Automated loading systems

  • Energy- and water-efficient models

  • Stainless-steel construction to resist corrosion

Example System: Tecniplast 650 Series Cage & Rack Washer

These washers reduce manual handling and ensure all parts meet hygiene standards consistently.

🌡️ 3. Environmental Monitoring Systems

Monitoring temperature, humidity, light cycles, and air quality ensures animals live in stable, healthy conditions.

Devices Include:

  • Smart sensors for real-time alerts

  • Data loggers to track trends over time

  • Automated control systems for HVAC, lighting, and pressure differentials

Proper environmental controls:

  • Reduce disease

  • Improve breeding success

  • Align with regulatory reporting

🥼 4. Animal Handling and Restraint Equipment

Gentle, species-appropriate handling reduces fear, injuries, and stress-induced behaviors.

Common Tools:

  • Restraint tubes (for rodents)

  • Scruffing tools and forceps

  • Non-slip gloves and calming chambers

  • Digital ID systems (microchips, tattoos)

Always match the tool to the animal’s size, species, and procedure type.

🛏️ 5. Bedding and Nesting Materials

Animal bedding isn’t just for comfort—it helps absorb waste, control odor, and provide nesting space.

Types:

  • Corn cob bedding

  • Aspen shavings

  • Recycled paper pellets

  • Nesting squares and fiber rolls

Make sure bedding is non-toxic, dust-free, and absorbent. Change it regularly based on species and cage type.

🍼 6. Feeding and Watering Systems

Animals must always have access to fresh food and water—automated systems make this easier and more consistent.

Options Include:

  • Bottle-top or automatic watering systems

  • Feed hoppers for pelleted food

  • Gel-based water packs for transportation

  • Specialized diets (high-fat, breeder, growth)

Use stainless steel or autoclavable plastics for easy sanitation.

💡 7. Enrichment Equipment

Environmental enrichment keeps animals physically and mentally active, reducing stress and improving research reliability.

Examples:

  • Tunnels and tubes

  • Gnawing blocks

  • Exercise wheels

  • Social housing (when appropriate)

This is especially important for rodents, rabbits, and primates. Enrichment reduces self-grooming, aggression, and anxiety behaviors.

🧪 8. Surgical and Procedural Equipment

During experiments, animals must be handled with care to minimize pain, discomfort, and contamination.

Essential Equipment:

  • Anesthesia machines (isoflurane-based systems)

  • Sterile surgical tables

  • Monitoring devices (temperature, respiration, ECG)

  • Recovery chambers with heating pads

All surgical procedures should be approved by ethics committees and follow post-op care protocols.

🚚 9. Transport Cages and Containers

Moving animals safely between rooms or facilities requires secure, ventilated containers.

Features to Ensure:

  • Locking lids or secure latches

  • Easy-carry handles

  • Adequate ventilation holes

  • Compatibility with IVC racks or carts

Transport units should be cleaned and disinfected between uses to avoid cross-contamination.

🧾 10. Identification and Recordkeeping Tools

Proper animal identification is key for data tracking and ethical oversight.

Common Methods:

  • Microchips with RFID scanners

  • Ear tags or tattoos (for rodents)

  • Digital logbooks and animal management software

Ensure records include:

  • Animal source, ID, and health status

  • Treatments, housing changes, and outcomes

  • Staff handling logs