ACORP Appendix 9
James A Haley VAMC Rodent Breeding Appendix
The purpose of this appendix is to account for rodents used in the maintenance and production of a breeding colony. Follow the instructions carefully.
1. Fill out the following table for each strain you plan to breed. Number of rodents requested is for the 3-year period of IACUC approval.
Rodent Strain(Background) / Standardized Genetic Nomenclature
(Identifying the mutation, transgene, gene knockout, or other genotypic manipulation) / Total Number
(include breeders, and all offspring that may or may not be of the proper genotype/sex)
2. Briefly describe the unique genetic and other characteristics of each strain or line that will need to be established as a colony, and why the colony must be established locally.
3. Describe how the number of animals needed for the study was determined (include breeders and all offspring).
4. Describe the characteristics of each particular strain that result from the genotype, including any detrimental impact on the immune system or other clinical problems or anomalies.
a. IACUC Policy XII.13 requires investigators to consider the needs and well-being of animals involved in protocols that have a potential to cause animal discomfort, pain, or distress which may not be reliably anticipated or controlled, including those of new or unique phenotypes of transgenic, knock-out, knock-in, or genetically-mutant rodents. Will these mice have characteristics that will cause them discomfort, pain, or distress?
No. Proceed to item 5.
Yes. Describe the clinical oversight and intervention criteria that will be used to prevent animal discomfort, or a justification of why intervention conflicts with the purpose of the proposed colony.
5. Describe how each colony will be monitored from a genetics perspective.
a. Will tail snips or other genetic testing be required to maintain the colony?
No. Proceed to item 6.
Yes. Describe all tissue collection procedures, including the use of local or general anesthesia used prior to tissue collection, the use of sterile equipment, and method(s) of hemostasis.
6. Will any of these mice be created locally under a separate IACUC protocol, either by pronuclear microinjection of DNA, or by blastocyst microinjection of embryonic stem cells that have been electroporated with DNA, or by other methods of genetic engineering involving recombinant DNA?
No. Proceed to item 7.
Yes. Indicate the line(s) of mice that will be created, and under what approved IACUC protocol number. (Note: Signature of the Coordinator of the IBC below indicates that in accordance with the Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules this intent to locally create a new mouse in which the genome has been altered by stable introduction of recombinant DNA into the germ-line has been described on a separate Non-Exempt Recombinant DNA Registration application, which has been submitted to the IBC for review.
7. Describe the exact method of euthanasia for animals that will not be used in the research protocol (i.e., offspring not of the required genotype, or gender, and retired breeders) and means of assuring death following euthanasia. Indicate dose and route if a chemical agent, or provide a justification if a physical method.
Note- neonatal rodents are resistant to hypoxia and may require increased periods of exposure and or alternate methods to assure death.
8. Are all euthanasia methods acceptable according to the latest report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia? (if you are unsure contact your veterinarian or IACUC for guidance).
Yes. Appendix is complete.
No. Justify any method that is not considered “acceptable” by the latest report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia.