f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 57 [Entry Date] 04/12/2011 at 03:02:49 PM [Affiliation] Self [Comments] 
Comment 1: Table 302 on page 57 and the related discussion regarding space requirements for rodent housing are completely inadequate for use as an evaluating tool for rodent research programs for the following reason: The section manages to completely confuse the space requirements for harem breeding or even pair breeding, as there is only a size requirement for a single animal (the dam) with a litter. There is no obvious answer to the question- What is the space requirement for more than one adult with a litter? This is unacceptable, as pair breeding or harem breeding are the primary methods for breeding rodents. This section only creates confusion as to what the appropriate size cage would be for these situations. The size caging that you would end up with for these situations is unreasonable and would create an unreasonable and unsustainable cost for institutions conducting research as breeding programs would take up at least two times their current space, if not more. Their would also be costs associated with new caging required, protocol changes, training requirements exc. I believe the Guide would have to amend this table to correct the issue before it would be usable as an evaluation tool for institutions using rodents for research.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals