Animal Stabilization/Acclimation
Purpose
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
states that newly received animals should be given a rest period
for physiological, psychological, and nutritional
stabilization before their use. This allows animals to
recover from shipping stress and permits them to adapt to
their new surroundings. The length of time for
stabilization will depend on the type and duration of animal
transportation, the species involved, and the intended use
of the animals. This policy will guide the amount of
time an animal should be allowed to acclimate to the
facility after their arrival from another institution.
Action
Non-Terminal Procedures
- Rodent species should have a minimum acclimation
period of 72 hours.
- Non-rodent species should have a minimum acclimation
period of 7 days.
Terminal Procedures
- For rodent species, an acclimation period of 48
hours is recommended, but is optional.
- For non-rodent species, an acclimation period of 72
hours is recommended, but is optional.
Terminal Training Procedures
- No acclimation period is required for any species.
The PI should take into consideration the stress-induced
variable in research outcomes. For requirements for
other unidentified non-rodent species, please contact the
CCM Attending Veterinarian.
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