Breeding Your Own Animals? Please Pay Close Attention to Your Animal Use Numbers

Labs who breed their own research animals may have noticed that the breeding sheets in their animal rooms look a little bit different now. The new sheets apply to all species that are barcoded and bred in-house, and include columns not only for weaned animals but also for young animals that were euthanized or died prior to weaning.
 
In an effort to be more transparent and accurate in our reporting to the NIH and OLAW, who are interested in knowing the precise number of animals being used to answer important scientific questions at U-M, we will begin accounting for all animals bred for research via the new breeding sheets effective June 1, 2018.
 
The information being recorded is neither good nor bad, simply an honest representation of the number of animals your scientific research required. Our current processes only deduct animals from an approved animal use protocol when the animals are ordered, transferred, or weaned; however, this does NOT accurately reflect all animals bred for research. Therefore, we will use the new breeding sheets to begin recording the number of animals culled or used prior to weaning, which will allow us to capture more accurate animal numbers for reporting purposes.
 
We understand that these changes may impact the Animal Use numbers on your approved protocol(s), which is why we wanted you to have as much notice as possible should you or your lab need to make any adjustments. Animal Use numbers can be increased/adjusted by completing a protocol amendment. 

Questions or Concerns?

Questions about how to add animals to your protocol should be directed to your Research Compliance Associate. If you have any immediate questions or concerns about how the new breeding sheets may impact your research, please consult with your ULAM Faculty Veterinarian.

Additional information on how these changes will impact specific business processes will be provided in the coming weeks and months.