The Experimental Animal in Biomedical Research provides a concise, useful survey of knowledge regarding laboratory animal care. Volume I addresses researchers who use animals and focuses on how to maximize the welfare of animals used in research.

Scientific experiments using animals have contributed significantly to the improvement of human health. Animal experiments were crucial to the conquest of polio, for example, and they will undoubtedly be one of the keystones in AIDS research. However, some persons believe that the cost to the animals is often high. Authored by a committee of experts from various fields, this book discusses the benefits that have resulted from animal research, the scope of animal research today, the concerns of advocates of animal welfare, and the prospects for finding alternatives to animal use. The authors conclude with specific recommendations for more consistent government action.

Animal experimentation has been one of the most controversial areas of animal use, mainly due to the intentional harms inflicted upon animals for the sake of hoped-for benefits in humans. Despite this rationale for continued animal experimentation, shortcomings of this practice have become increasingly more apparent and well-documented. However, these limitations are not yet widely known or appreciated, and there is a danger that they may simply be ignored. The 51 experts who have contributed to Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change critically review current animal use in science, present new and innovative non-animal approaches to address urgent scientific questions, and offer a roadmap towards an animal-free world of science.

The Importance of Laboratory Animal Genetics, Health, and the Environment in Biomedical Research documents the proceedings of the Fifth Charles River International Symposium on Laboratory Animals, in Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany, March 14-16, 1983. These papers examine how the health and genetic monitoring of laboratory animals, coupled with environmental influences, affect the investigations of oncologists, toxicologists, or pharmacologists. The book is organized into four parts. Part I focuses on the health monitoring of laboratory animals for biomedical research. It includes studies on the effects of health and health monitoring in toxicology studies, oncology studies, and pharmacologic studies. Part II deals with the genetic monitoring of laboratory animals. It examines the causes of genetic alternation in laboratory animals and ways to prevent them. Part III considers the environmental monitoring that is necessary for research on laboratory animals. Part IV on new research frontiers includes studies on the production of monoclonal antibodies for the experimental and therapeutic modulation of laboratory animals, and the quality control aspects of animal experimentation.

The Development of Science-based Guidelines for Laboratory Animal Care is the summary of an international workshop held in Washington, DC, in November 2003 to bring together experts from around the world to discuss the available knowledge that can positively influence current and pending guidelines for laboratory animal care, identify gaps in that knowledge in order to encourage future research endeavors, and discuss the scientific evidence that can be used to assess the benefits and costs of various regulatory approaches affecting facilities, research, and animal welfare.

A volume in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine series, this second edition has over 40% new material, including the addition of six new topics and many others that are completely rewritten. The book comprehensively covers the biological and disease aspects of laboratory animal medicine while examining other aspects such as the biohazards associated with the use of animal experimentation and factors complicating the bioethics of animal research.

Laboratory animals are becoming increasingly important for biomedical research. It is said that approximately 70% of biomedical research is associated with the use of experimental animals. Laboratory animal research not only expands our knowledge of science, but also greatly improves human and animal health. The field of laboratory animal science is ever-growing and changing as new experimental techniques are developed and new animal models are created. It is essential to know not only the biological features of each laboratory animal but also how to use and care for them responsibly in order to perform high-quality experiments. Courses in beginning Laboratory Animal Science are starting to be offered in many universities throughout the world. However, a practical introductory textbook that contains state-of-the-art techniques is still lacking. Fundamentals of Laboratory Animal Science provides comprehensive information on the principles and practices of using laboratory animals for biomedical research. Each individual chapter focuses on a key sub-discipline of laboratory animal science: animal welfare and best humane care practices in the laboratory; the quality control of laboratory animals; the anatomy, physiology, and husbandry of commonly used species; the principles of creating and using animal models for studying human diseases; practical techniques used for laboratory animal experiments; experimental design; and animal experimentation management. Knowledge of this broad spectrum of concepts and skills will ensure research goes smoothly while greatly reducing animal pain and distress. Well-illustrated and thoroughly referenced, this book will serve not only as a standard textbook but also as a handy guide for veterinarians, researchers, animal care staff, administrators, and other professionals who are involved in laboratory animal science.