Welfare phenotyping of genetically-modified mice

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Animal Welfare Science
• Bioethics
• Genomic Research

Background:

• Genome manipulation technologies offer insights into gene function and disease development.
• Ethical considerations, particularly animal welfare, are paramount in the creation and management of genetically modified (GM) animals.
• Unforeseen welfare complications in GM animals present significant management challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of animal welfare assessments into existing databases of genetically modified (GM) animal lines.
• To enhance the refinement of GM animal research through improved welfare monitoring and management.
• To identify opportunities for ameliorating negative welfare impacts and understanding gene-environment interactions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices in GM animal line development and phenotyping.
• Analysis of existing national and international databases for GM animal lines.
• Proposal for the inclusion of standardized animal welfare assessments within these databases.

Main Results:

• Existing databases for GM animal lines are rapidly expanding, primarily involving mice.
• Integrating welfare data can significantly enhance the utility of these databases for refinement.
• Monitoring welfare data aids in identifying unpredicted effects and managing humane endpoints.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating animal welfare assessments into GM animal databases is a powerful tool for promoting refinement in research.
• Systematic monitoring facilitates the identification and management of welfare issues, including unforeseen complications.
• Such data integration supports better gene-environment interaction understanding and improved animal welfare practices.