Appendix K – IACUC Protocol
Variations in Standard Husbandry and/or Housing
University of California, Irvine
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
IACUC #:
Mod #:
For Office Use Only
Protocol #:
Lead Researcher:
Standard husbandry and care for laboratory animals includes:
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Standard species-appropriate caging (solid-bottom cages for rodents)
Group-housing of social species when compatible
Primary housing space and secondary (housing room) temperature and humidity levels conforming to
specifications in the Guide
Species-appropriate physical/psychological enrichment and exercise
Standard food and tap water provided ad libitum
12-hour light-dark cycle
Standard sanitation schedule for cages and rooms (per ULAR SOP’s or IACUC-approved SOP’s for InvestigatorMaintained animals)
If your protocol requires any variation or deviation from the standard husbandry, submit this appendix.
Place an X in the checkboxes that apply and complete the application sections below. Additional requirements are
indicated in yellow.
Section 1: Husbandry or Housing Variation
A. Indicate the husbandry or housing variation that will be used:
Withholding of Standard Enrichment
Single Housing of Social Species (e.g., mouse, rat)
Food or Water Restriction
Complete Section 2.A
Special Diet or Additions to Water
Complete Section 2.B
Wire-Bottom Caging
Complete Section 2.C
Other Variations not listed
Complete Section 2.D
B. Provide scientific justification for the variation/deviation:
Section 2: Details of the Husbandry or Housing Variation
A. Long-Term Food or Water Restriction
Review the IACUC Policy on Food or Fluid Restriction before continuing.
NOTE: Temporary restriction done prior to surgery is not considered long-term restriction. Restrictions done in
preparation for surgery should be described in the Protocol Application (Section 5).
UCI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
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IACUC Protocol - Appendix K
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1.
Describe in detail the food or water restriction procedures.
2.
Describe how the weight and/or hydration status of the animals will be monitored:
3.
Provide the duration that animals will be subject to restricted food/water:
4.
Daily documentation is required when implementing food or water
restriction. Logs must be kept in the animal housing room when food/water
are restricted.
Attach a sample copy of your
daily monitoring log for
husbandry variations
By checking this box, the Lead Researcher assures that a monitoring log will be maintained in
the housing room when food/water are restricted.
B. Special Diet or Additions to Water
Cages must be identified with the “Food, Water or Fast Instructions” cage cards (provided in animal room by
ULAR)
1.
Describe the special diet or additions to drinking water. Provide details including amount given to the
animals, texture type (e.g., powder, liquid, etc.), manufacturer, and any additives or medications.
2.
Provide the duration that animals will be provided the special diet/water:
C. Wire-Bottom Caging
Review the IACUC Policy on Housing Rodents on Wire Flooring before continuing.
1.
Use of wire-bottom caging has been associated with foot sores in rodents. Describe how animals will be
monitored for this potential adverse effect:
2.
How will animals be treated if they develop foot sores or other complications associated with the use of
wire bottom caging?
D. Other Variations
1.
Provide specific details of the variations:
2.
Describe any special monitoring or care that the animals will require in association with the variation.
Section 3: Researcher Agreement
By checking this box, the Lead Researcher assures that they have reviewed and fully understands all
applicable policies and guidelines pertaining to the type of variance listed above and will comply with all
requirements.
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IACUC Protocol - Appendix K
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UCI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
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IACUC Protocol - Appendix K
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