March 25, 2021

Dear researchers with rodent breeding colonies,

Starting on April 1, 2021, OACM census sheets will no longer account for “culls” (i.e., animals that were produced by breeding but not used in your research).  The concept of “negative weans” will end, and unused progeny numbers will not be added back to your approved protocol animal numbers.  As a result of this change in policy, researchers will need to closely track the number of animals used and amend their protocols accordingly if additional animals are needed.  The IACUC will be reviewing draft policy in this regard at its April meeting.  Please see attached draft policy “Guidelines for Counting Animals Used in Breeding Protocols.”   

This change is made in the spirit of the Three Rs (reduction, refinement, replacement), in which breeding strategies should be carefully planned, and all progeny produced by breeding should be accounted for.  This practice is better aligned with expectations of the NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and the Guide.

Thank you for your assistance as we strive to make improvements in our animal care program.

Ida

Ida M Washington, DVM, PhD, DACLAM
University Veterinarian and Director
Office of Animal Care Management
The University of Vermont