Dutch university scientists increase research productivity using fewer animals per project

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Laboratory animal science

Background:

• The European Union (EU) is considering a general reduction in animal research.
• Scientific requirements should dictate any changes in animal use.
• Previous trends in animal use require careful examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the appropriateness of a general reduction in animal research.
• To analyze trends in laboratory animal usage in relation to scientific output.
• To assess the potential impact of further reductions on scientific progress.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data on laboratory animal usage in the Netherlands.
• Comparison of animal numbers per published paper over time (1990-1997).

Main Results:

• Laboratory animal numbers per published paper in the Netherlands decreased by 23% between 1990 and 1997.
• This indicates increased efficiency in research methodologies.

Conclusions:

• A general, non-scientifically driven reduction in animal research is inappropriate.
• Further reductions in animal use may be detrimental to scientific advancement.
• Efficiency gains in research should be recognized and considered in policy-making.