84 Questions
What are metabolism cages typically used for?
Studies where urine or feces collection is required
What is the purpose of transport, transfer, and shipping cages?
Relocation of animals
What material are shipping containers typically made of?
Cardboard or plastic
Which of the following is a feature of disposable MI Shoebox Cages?
Provide access to feed and water
Why is environmental enrichment emphasized in The Guide?
To help meet the psychological needs of all species
What is one benefit of using squeeze cages for housing nonhuman primates?
To safely restrain the animal for feeding or temporary separation
Which type of caging system is specifically designed for temporarily separating animals within multiple cages each day?
Room‐sized group housing pens
In large animal enclosures, why are slats and grates appropriately sized?
To provide good footing without causing skin abrasions
What is a common flooring material used in large animal enclosures for bedding?
Both A and C
For which species is it mentioned that runs & kennels should have higher sides or extend to the ceiling?
Pigs
Which plastic material is the most suitable for work involving high-risk infectious agents due to its durability and ability to withstand extreme autoclave temperatures?
Polysulphone/Polyphenylsulfone
What is the main reason for choosing Polystyrene as a caging material?
Opaque nature
Why is Galvanized metal rarely used for animal caging?
Toxicity concerns from zinc content
What is the distinguishing feature of Microisolation (MI) cages that sets them apart from shoebox-style cages?
Utilizes a plastic top with an integral filter
In Individually Ventilated Cages (IVCs), what purpose does the continuous airflow serve?
Decreases buildup of waste materials
Why are ventilated caging systems becoming increasingly popular?
To decrease human allergen exposure
What are the benefits of using front-opening, drawer-type cages for small mammals?
Allow easy examination of animals without removing them from the enclosure
Why are perforated & wire-bottomed flooring not recommended for small mammals?
They produce foot problems in rodents
What should be considered when group housing social animals?
Animal and personnel safety, as well as ease of husbandry and sanitation
Why is it important to offer solid resting platforms in rodent cages?
To prevent foot problems in rodents
What is the purpose of one-way valves in animal cages or pens?
To prevent water stagnation
Why is periodic sanitation with a bleach-based solution necessary for animal watering systems?
To prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
Why should bedding material be stored off the floor?
To prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness
What is a key requirement for bedding material used in animal housing?
Low dust factor
Why is the use of specialized equipment necessary for animal care?
To provide efficient care and sanitation
What is the recommended storage method for unopened bags of dry pelleted foods for animals?
Stored off the floor on pallets, racks or carts
What is the key component of blood that needs to be provided to animals?
Water
Which method is NOT listed for treating drinking water to eliminate extraneous contaminants?
Irradiation
What is the correct storage recommendation for open bags of dry pelleted foods?
Stored in sealed, vermin-proof containers
Which watering equipment is commonly used when medications or compounds need to be given to animals along with water?
Water pouches
What level of biosafety facility may require full body coverage and face protection with respirator use?
ABSL3
Which facility classification requires waste material to be appropriately decontaminated or sterilized prior to disposal using methods like autoclaves, gas or vapor chambers, incinerators, and digestors?
Biohazard facilities
What must be considered when determining the size of a primary enclosure for animals?
All of the above
Caging must be ____________
All of the above
What are the specific minimum space recommendations for group and individually housed animals based on?
Multiple documents including Animal Welfare Act, The Guide, and Ag Guide
Which type of housing system may require a positive pressure ventilated suit with attached boots?
ABSL4
What should the caging material be chosen based on?
Use, frequency of cage changes, autoclave needs, budget and need for disposal
Type of housing depends on
All of the above
What does "primary enclosure" refer to
Refers to the cage in which the animal is housed
Caging must be
All of the above
Non-durable plastic typically used for single use caging (disposable, intended for use with biohazard or chemical hazard protocols, also used for shipping)
Polystyrene
First plastic compound used for rodent cages and aquatic tanks. (high impact strength, temperature resistant, autoclavable version used for protocols requiring sterile caging)
Polycarbonate
Used for suspended rodent cages, rabbit cages and aquatic tanks. (shatter resistant, opaque (provides breeding animals more seclusion), less noise (rabbits))
Polypropylene
match metals
Stainless steel = Most common, more expensive but doesn't corrode Aluminum = Lighter weight but not as durable Galvanized metal = Rarely used due to corrosion and can be toxic due to zinc content
- = -
Match cages
Shoebox style cages = Stainless steel lid with a V shaped trough to hold food and a water bottle or pouch Microisolation cages = Uses plastic top with integral filter over the cage Individually ventilated cages = Constructed with a port and docking system Front opening drawer type cages = Used to house rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and ferrets
Why have ventilated caging system become increasingly popular
All of the above
Which of the following could strongly influence the success of group housing arrangements
Both A and B
Housing large animal
Agricultural setting = May be appropriate for the conduct of some biomedical research Indoor research facility = When greater control of environmental parameters is required Pens = Have short sides ~40in high (typically for pigs) Runs and kennels = High sides 5-6in or extend to the ceiling
Vertical bars needed for pigs as they can climb horizontal bars
True
What are exercise cages used for
Both A and B
Transport, transfer and shipping cages are sometimes called
Jump boxes
Transport, transfer and shipping cages are typically made of
Cardboard or plastic with ventilation ports
Enrichment items may induce unintended effects such as
All of the above
Controversy exists regarding which enrichment items provide the greatest benefit and least risk to the animals. This is largely complicated by the difficulty of interpreting an animal's response to or desire for an object. Therefore, the use of all enrichment items must be critically evaluated.
True
Both consistency and caution must be exercised in the provision of environmental enrichment when differences or changes in their use may impact research results
True
Both consistency and caution does not need to be exercised in the provision of environmental enrichment when differences or changes in their use may impact research results
False
Food needs to be
All of the above
Most dry pelleted foods can be used up to 6 months after manufacture
True
Refrigeration preserves nutritional quality and lengthens shelf life
True
How are unopened bags stored
All of the above
How are open bags of dry pelleted food stored
Stored in sealed, vermin proof container
Open bags of dry pelleted foods
Must be protected from moisture and contaminants
What temp are purified and chemically defined diets stored at
39F
Purified and chemically defined diets are less stable than natural ingredient diets
True
Purified and chemically defined diets are more stable than natural ingredient diets
False
What is the shelf life of purified and chemically defined diets
Less than 6 months
Perishable food is utilized quickly for product freshness
True
Perishable food is utilized quickly for product freshness
True
Perishable food is not utilized as quickly because it will stay fresh longer
False
Perishable food is stored in the refrigerator
True
Perishable food is stored off the floor on racks or carts
False
Date of sterilization should be recorded on autoclaved package
True
Autoclaved and irradiated diets are adjusted in nutrient concentrations and ingredients to ensure adequate nutritional level
True
Autoclaved and irradiated diets are not adjusted in nutrient concentrations and ingredients to ensure adequate nutritional level
False
Which of the following is true regarding water
All of the above
For most agricultural animals, use of well or city tap water is sufficient whereas immunocompromised animals may need water purified by reverse osmosis and then slightly acidified or chlorinated to inhibit bacterial growth
True
For most immunocompromised animals, use of well or city tap water is sufficient whereas agricultural animals may need water purified by reverse osmosis and then slightly acidified or chlorinated to inhibit bacterial growth
False
Bottles with sipper tubes or water pouches are commonly utilized when
Both A and B
Packets of gelled water (H3CO2) are useful when transporting or shipping rodents
True
Packets of gelled water (H3CO2) are always useful
False
What has replaced the use of water bottles/bowls in many facilities
Automated watering systems
Water is delivered from the water source to rooms, usually through stainless steel piping affixed to walls or ceilings (animals can physically activate these to receive water) How is stagnation prevented
Fresh water is automatically flushed through the system daily
What is used to perform periodic sanitation of the watering system
Bleach based solution
Match
Cleaning = removes excessive amounts of excrement, dirt and debris Sanitation = maintenance of environmental conditions conducive to health and well being; ‐ washing away (reducing) microbe Disinfection = reduces or eliminates unacceptable concentrations of microorganisms; destroy (-cidal) or inhibit (static) microbial growth Sterilization = validated process used to render a product free of all forms of viable microorganisms
Study Notes
Animal Housing and Welfare
- If group housing is not possible, animals should be provided visual, auditory, and/or olfactory contact with others of the same species.
- Animals should be provided opportunities to play and exercise.
Housing for Large Animals
- Large animals require physically demanding and labor-intensive housing.
- Equipment and procedures should be regularly evaluated and refined to maximize personnel safety and minimize ergonomic injuries.
Specialized Housing Systems
- Metabolism cages are used in studies where urine or feces collection is required.
- Exercise cages are used in studies involving nutrition or exercise and provide a form of enrichment.
- Transport, transfer, and shipping cages are used to relocate animals temporarily.
- Disposable MI shoebox cages are used in some settings.
Environmental Enrichment
- Environmental enrichment is essential to meet the psychological needs of all species.
- Plastic materials used in caging include polysulphone, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polypropylene, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Caging Materials
- Metals used in caging include stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Rodent Housing
- Shoebox-style cages are commonly used to house murine rodents.
- Microisolation (MI) cages are refinements of shoebox cages that utilize a plastic top with an integral filter to prevent the exchange of allergens and microorganisms.
- Individually ventilated cages (IVCs) are refinements of static microisolation caging systems that provide containment and microbiological protection for rodents.
Nonhuman Primate Housing
- Nonhuman primates should be socially housed whenever possible in caging configurations that allow flexibility in enclosure size and connection of adjacent enclosures.
- Housing should include perches, climbing structures, and other enrichment devices to promote psychological well-being.
Large Animal Housing
- Large animal enclosures include freestanding, mobile cages, and permanent installations within a room.
- Flooring and bedding materials should be selected based on species and should provide good footing without causing skin abrasions.
Ventilated Systems
- Ventilated caging systems are popular due to their ability to improve the environment for animals and decrease human allergen exposure.
- Automated monitoring systems with alarms can detect ventilation failures and alert staff to relocate animals.
Other Small Mammals
- Front-opening, drawer-type cages are used to house rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and ferrets.
- Social animals should be group housed whenever possible, and social species should be housed in compatible groups.
Food and Bedding Materials
- Food and bedding materials should be obtained from vendors who ensure the quality of their products.
- Food should be palatable, uncontaminated, and nutritionally adequate, and should be stored in clean areas to minimize disease and parasites.
Watering Equipment
- Water is an essential nutrient, and water quality should be standardized to eliminate contaminants.
- Watering equipment includes bottles with sipper tubes or water pouches, and automated watering systems that reduce labor intensity and ergonomic issues.
Bedding Dispenser and Facility Equipment
- Bedding material should be selected based on species, housing method, and experimental conditions.
- Facility equipment, including specialized equipment, is required to provide high-quality care and sanitation.
Common Facility Classifications
- Biohazard facilities require specialized equipment and decontamination methods to handle infectious materials.
Housing Regulations
- The Animal Welfare Act (APHIS, 2017), the Guide, and the Ag Guide (FASS, 2010) provide specific minimum space recommendations for group and individually housed animals.
- Primary enclosure size depends on species, body weight, exercise requirements, and enrichment needs.
Learn about the design and maintenance of automated drinking systems for animals, including one-way valves, fresh water flushing, sanitation procedures, and monitoring requirements.
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