Husbandry

Husbandry ULAM

New ULAM Per-Diem Rates Effective April 1

The entire Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) team takes great pride in their service and support of the U-M research community’s mission of research to serve the world. In the spirit of this service-oriented mission, we remind you of recent changes to ULAM’s per-diem rates (available via PDF download), which went into effect on ...
April 1 calendar reminder icon

Husbandry SOP ULAM

SOP Modified to Clarify When Wet Rodent Cages are Changed

The Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) recently updated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Laboratory Assumption of the Feeding, Watering and/or Cage Changing of Rodents to provide additional clarification on when ULAM husbandry personnel will change rodent cages that are found to be wet/flooded. This update does NOT require any action from laboratories who ...
Wet cage change icon

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP ULAM

On the Move? Essentials for Safe & Secure Animal Transport

Providing a safe, secure, and properly controlled research environment is critical for maintaining animal health and minimizing variables that could impact study results.  When moving animals across campus – either from room to room, building to building, or through a common area – extra care must be taken to protect animal welfare and the integrity ...
Image of mouse cage set up for proper transport

Husbandry ULAM

ULAM Per-Diem Rates Extended Through Early 2026

Our Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) works in close partnership with the U-M’s Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis Office (EFP&A) to routinely assess per-diem rates for animal care. Rates are evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis at least annually to allow for direct cost recovery (i.e., billing for the personnel and supply charges associated ...
Two people sitting at a desk reviewing a budget spreadsheet on the computer

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Fall 2025 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in September. These routine inspections are one of the most important tools we have for assessing programmatic strengths and identifying areas for individual and collective improvement(s) in service to the animals entrusted to our care. Through this lens of ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Fall 2025 semi-annual facility inspections

Drugs Facilities Guidelines Husbandry IACUC Policies Safety

Lessons Learned from Winter 2025 Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed its latest round of semi-annual facility inspections in mid-March. These routine inspections are one of the most important tools we have for assessing programmatic strengths and identifying areas for individual and collective improvement(s) in service to the animals entrusted to our care. Through this lens of ...
Multi-colored graph showing common deficiency areas identified during Winter 2025 semi-annual facility inspections

Facilities Husbandry Safety SOP

Recent Updates, Changes to Hazardous Substance Administration SOP

To ensure continued compliance with best practice standards in animal care and use and laboratory safety, the Animals Administered a Hazardous Substance Requiring Containment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was recently updated. Updates and process changes are applicable to ANY individual who may perform procedures that involve the handling of animals and/or animal equipment contaminated with ...
Button listing expected May 2025 adherence date for new Hazardous Substance Administration SOP

Facilities Husbandry Safety

What Makes a Good Research Neighbor? Best Practices for Animal Care Facilities

Regardless of role – student, faculty, staff, technician, administrator – all members of the U-M community can contribute to the development of a safe and secure research environment. Though these contributions inevitably vary between departments and job responsibilities, there are several best practices that any AND all individuals can follow to help ensure that they’re ...
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