STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR FOOD AND WATER RESTRICTION IN RODENTS

Purpose:

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish guidelines for the food and water restriction of rodents used in experimental procedures. The aim is to ensure the welfare of the animals and the scientific validity of the experiments.

Responsibility: 

The responsibility for implementing this SOP lies with the researchers and animal care staff involved in the experimental procedures.

Introduction:

Food and water restriction are commonly used in rodent experiments to control variables such as body weight and nutrient intake. However, these procedures can have significant effects on animal welfare and the validity of research results. Therefore, it is important to establish a standardized protocol for the implementation of food and water restriction.

Procedure:

Establishment of food and water consumption baseline: 

Prior to food and water restriction, baseline measurements of food and water consumption, as well as body weight, should be taken. These measurements should be taken for at least 5 days to establish a stable baseline. The baseline data should be recorded and used as a reference point for the implementation of food and water restriction.

Food/Water Restriction in Young or growing animals: 

Young or growing animals should not be subjected to food or water restriction unless it is deemed necessary by the researcher. The severity and duration of the restriction should be minimized to reduce the impact on the animal's growth and development. The animal's health and welfare should be closely monitored during the restriction.

Implementation of food or water restriction: 

Food or water restriction should be implemented gradually to allow the animals to adjust to the changes. The severity and duration of the restriction should be based on the animal's body weight and nutritional requirements. Animals should be provided with appropriate enrichment to minimize stress and reduce the impact of the restriction.

Withdrawal of food or water control: 

Food or water control should be withdrawn gradually to allow the animals to readjust to the changes. The animals should be closely monitored during this period to ensure their health and welfare are not compromised.

Ongoing health monitoring:  

Animals subjected to food or water restriction should be closely monitored for any signs of distress, disease, or other health issues.
Appropriate veterinary care should be provided as needed.

Record keeping:

 Accurate records should be kept of food and water consumption, body weight, and any other relevant data. These records should be updated regularly and stored in a secure location.

Termination of food or water restriction:

Food or water restriction should be terminated as soon as it is no longer necessary.
The animals should be closely monitored during the recovery period to ensure their health and welfare are not compromised.

References: 

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition. National Academies Press, 2011. 

European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes, Council of Europe, 1986.

Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq., 1966.

Guidelines for the ethical use of animals in research. Canadian Council on Animal Care, 2019.


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You may like to read these links:   

1. List of All SOPs and Documents for In-vivo Laboratory

2. List of All SOPs and Documents for Study Protocol

3. List of Pharmacological Study Models with details about disease Inducing agents, Standard or Reference drugs, and related parameters.

4. List of OECD Guidelines or Toxicological Studies

5. List of Pharmacopeial Tests Quality Control Tests or Batch Testing Parameters (In-vivo)

6. Animal  Facility Design - Small Laboratory Animals (Rat, Mice, Rabbit, Guinea Pig)

7. List of Physiological Data for Small Laboratory Animals

8. List of All SOP and Documents for the Animal House Facility

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