How Should I Describe the Breeding Colony?

When describing the breeding colony be sure to indicate the number of adult males/females that will be used per year to maintain the colony. Also indicate the mating scheme, when/if the male is removed, when the offspring are weaned for mammals, or when young doves will be banded and removed from the breeding cage. For aquatic animals indicate the number of adults used in a year and describe mating schemes. Also be sure to indicate the total number of offspring born, not just the numbers needed for experiments. Also indicate what you will do with those born and not used in experiments, (i.e. used to replace breeders, euthanized, given to other investigators.)

What Is Meant By Experimental Diet or Diet Manipulation?

An experimental diet is any diet outside of one formulated for normal growth or maintenance. Examples would be diets that have been altered or specially prepared by having ingredients added or removed from them for experimental purposes. (i.e. high cholesterol diets, estrogens added to diet, medicated diet, etc.)

Dietary manipulations consist of any procedure(s) outside of feeding the animals ad libitum, providing a routine maintenance schedule or withholding food for surgery (i.e. any restrictions in times/amounts of feeding in order to train animals or for behavior studies.)

What Is Aseptic Technique?

Aseptic technique is used to reduce the microbial contamination to the lowest possible practice level. Aseptic technique includes preparation of the patient, such as hair removal and disinfection of the operative site; preparation of the surgeon, such as the provision of decontaminated surgical attire, surgical scrub and sterile surgical gloves; sterilization of instruments, supplies and implanted materials; and the use of operative techniques to reduce the likelihood of infection.

How do I Modify a Protocol?

When modifying a protocol, you should go back through the entire protocol form and address each question that is appropriate for the modification. Use a larger font and put in bold. Also, include a coversheet that indicates which questions you have modified. For example, if you add a species you should answer each questions again as it applies to the new species. A new search will need to be conducted, an explanation for the need for a new species, etc. If you change a procedure, you should explain why, how it affects the goals, address any pain/distress issues, etc.

Note: This does not preclude IACUC review of procedures previously approved as they relate to the modfications.

What is a “Hazardous Chemical”?

A chemical will be deemed as hazardous and require an "Investigation Involving the Use of Hazardous Chemicals and Animals" form if the chemical poses either of the following hazards:

• Health Hazard- Includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic systems, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes or that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees per OSHA definition.
• Physical Hazard- Includes chemicals which are a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive per OSHA definition.

Refer to your chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet to verify if it references either of these hazards. If you are not sure if the chemical you are using is considered hazardous, contact University Safety & Assurances at x5808 or x6339.