IACUC Learning Module - Cattle

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CATTLE HOUSED AT THE FARMS vs UNIVERSITY ANIMAL CARE

Cattle may be used as models for both agricultural and more traditional biomedical research projects. Depending on the nature of the project, these animals may be housed either at the university farms or in one of the animal facilities operated by UAC. For instance, university farms are managed like other farms in the state, so that research results will be directly applicable to livestock production in Arizona. Although certain standards are the same, no matter where cattle are kept, there are important differences which must be observed, in order to remain in compliance with Federal laws. (Copies of all laws and regulations are available at UAC).

Housed in UAC facilities, either used for agricultural or biomedical research:

1. Husbandry is provided by UAC staff.
2. The standards to be followed are published in the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide for Lab Animals) and the Animal Welfare Act-Code of Federal Regulations (AWA).

Research staff must provide surgical care at a similar level as that afforded to a human patient, including the strict adherence to aseptic (sterile) surgical techniques, the use of anesthetics, and the administration of post surgical analgesics, that is, drugs to alleviate pain following surgery.

In fact, any experimental procedure which involves pain more than a needle prick, requires analgesics; unless the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ( IACUC) approves a scientific exemption.

Housed at university farms and used on biomedical projects, e.g., those funded by NIH or Az. Heart Association.

1. Husbandry is provided by students and employees of the Departments of Veterinary Science and Animal Science.
2. The standards are those outlined in the Guide for Lab Animals and the AWA, with all the same requirements mentioned in the preceding section regarding surgical care, anesthetics and the need for analgesic drugs for all painful procedures. The only time pain relieving drugs are not given is when the IACUC has granted a scientific exemption. It will not be tolerated for staff to provide less intensive care for cattle, simply because they are a farm species. For instance, many farmers do not use sterile techniques to castrate calves; this is not sufficient justification for not using sterile techniques for research projects.

Housed at university farms and used on agricultural projects:

1. Husbandry is provided by students and employees of the Departments of Veterinary Science and Animal Science.
2. Specific requirements are published in the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (Guide for Animals in Ag. Research). These regulations are essentially comparable to conditions found at a well-managed farm.

Summary: Standards to Follow for Cattle Kept at the University of Arizona

This module was designed primarily for cattle housed at university farms since the majority of research is agricultural in nature. Module information may be applied to cattle at UAC facilities by substituting:

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Last updated: 01/02/2008 gea