Appendix B
Time-Pregnant/Breeding Programs
Complete Appendix B for all proposals planning on establishing a breeding colony or
for those studies utilizing time-pregnant animals. Studies incorporating breeding
programs or offspring from time-pregnant animals will be required to report annual
production (number of offspring used) at the time of IACUC protocol annual renewal.
1. Description
a. Provide a specific description of the type of breeding program to be utilized
(monogamous pair, “trio” breeding: 2 females and 1 male, “harem” breeding:
up to 4 females and 1 male, etc.).
b. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals sets minimum
space requirements for breeding animals. *See chart below.
If you wish to request a deviation from the minimum requirement
provide justification based on performance standards (e.g., health,
reproduction, growth, behavior, activity, and use of space) and special
needs determined by the characteristics of the animal strain or species
(e.g., obese, hyperactive) and experimental use (e.g., animals in longterm studies may require greater and more complex space).
c. All litters must be separated at 21 days of age unless an exemption is
justified. For “harem” mating schemes pregnant females must be separated
prior to birth of the litter unless an exemption is justified. If using trio or
harem breeding, please describe how/when dams will be separated to
ensure that overcrowding does not occur.
d. Please describe specific plans for weaning.
2. Personnel Responsible
Identify personnel responsible for the breeding program, including weaning and
documentation of program.
3. Records
Please describe the record-keeping system that will be used and how breeding,
health and maintenance of the colony is recorded.
4. Adults
a. How many adults will be utilized in this breeding program over the 3 year
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period?
b. How many breeding pairs/groups will be utilized at one time (may be
explained with a range)?
c. How many breeding cycles will be utilized or what is the maximum length of
breeding (e.g., 3 breeding cycles or 1 year)?
5. Final Disposition
What is the final disposition of these adults at the conclusion of their breeding
program?
6. Offspring
How many offspring are anticipated from each breeding or time-pregnancy?
7. Final Disposition
What is the final disposition of any offspring not utilized in the experimental
program (e.g., euthanasia, replacement of retired breeders, transferred to
another protocol)?
8. Genotype
Describe the sample collection method used for genotyping animals, including
age at time of genotyping. Include tissue sampled in Appendix D.
9. Phenotype
Will any offspring have any known or anticipated clinical health concerns
(immunocompromised, severe diabetes, ataxia, prone to dermatitis, etc. see
also #9.c.)?
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*Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/Guide-for-the-care-and-use-of-laboratory-animals.pdf
2016
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