Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and ...

Metabolism Stalls and Other IntensiveProceduresHUSBANDRY, HOUSING, AND BIOSECURITYAnimals that are subjected to intensive procedures requiringprolonged restraint, frequent sampling, or otherprocedures experience less stress if they are trained tocooperate voluntarily with the procedure. Cattle, pigs,and other animals can be trained with food rewards toaccept and cooperate with various procedures, such asjugular venipuncture (Panepinto, 1983; Calle and Bornmann,1988; Grandin, 1989; Grandin et al., 1995).Many studies of the nutrition and physiology of agriculturalanimals use a specialized piece of equipment,the metabolism stall. Successful designs have been reportedfor various species (Mayo, 1961; Welch, 1964;Baker et al., 1967; Stillions and Nelson, 1968; Woodenet al., 1970). These stalls give animal research and carepersonnel easy access to the animal and its excreta.The degree of restraint of animals housed in metabolismstalls is substantially different from that of othermethods that restrict mobility (e.g., stanchions andtethering). Animals in metabolism stalls are often heldby a head gate or neck tether and are restricted in theirlateral and longitudinal mobility. These differences mayexacerbate the effects of restriction on animals housedin metabolism stalls (Bowers et al., 1993). Metabolismstalls should be used only for approved studies, notfor the purpose of routine housing. Researchers shouldconsider appropriate alternatives to metabolism stalls(such as determination of digestibility by marker methods)if such alternatives are available.There should be a sufficient preconditioning periodto ensure adequate adjustment and comfort of the animalto the metabolism stall before sample collectionstarts. The length of the preconditioning period shouldbe subject to approval of the IACUC. At least enoughspace should be provided in the metabolism stall forthe animal to rise and lie down normally. When possible,metabolism stalls should be positioned so thatthe animal is in visual, auditory, and olfactory contactwith conspecific animals to minimize the effects of socialisolation.Thermal requirements of animals may be affectedwhen they are placed in metabolism stalls. For example,the lower critical environmental temperature of ananimal held individually in a metabolism stall is higherthan when residing in a group because the single animalcannot obtain the heat-conserving benefits of huddlingwith group-mates.Animals in metabolism stalls should be observedmore frequently than those in other environments, andparticular attention should be paid to changes in behaviorand appetite and the condition of skin, feet, andlegs. The length of time an animal may remain in ametabolism stall before removal for exercise should bebased on professional judgment and experience and besubject to approval by the IACUC. The species andthe degree of restraint imposed by particular stall typesshould be taken into consideration in making such judgments.Recommendations for particular species can befound in the appropriate chapters of this guide.25BIOSECURITYThe term biosecurity in an agricultural setting hashistorically been defined as the security measures takento prevent the unintentional transfer of pathogenic organismsand subsequent infection of production animalsby humans, vermin, or other means (i.e., bioexclusion).Biosecurity is also applied in the same contextto agricultural animals used in the field of agriculturalresearch, teaching, and testing. With the advent of bioterrorismand the designation of select agents, the termbiosecurity has acquired new definitions, depending onthe field to which it is applied. Biosecurity is now usedto define national and local policies and procedures thataddress the protection of food and water supplies fromintentional contamination and is additionally used todefine measures required to maintain security and accountabilityof select agents and toxins. It is importantto understand these concepts when using the term andto clarify that in this section we are using the term biosecurityin the context of preventing the unintentionaltransfer of pathogens to animals and humans throughappropriate facility design, training, and precautions(i.e., immunizations). For example, personnel workingin swine and poultry facilities should be immunizedagainst influenza and receive training related to potentialcross-contamination of agents between animals andhumans. The USDA has published voluntary guidelinesand a checklist as a resource to help the agriculturalproducer reduce security risks at the farm level (USDA,2006). This publication is designed to prevent both intentionaland unintentional introduction of pathogensat the farm level. A list of references and resources isalso provided in this document on a variety of farm biosecurityissues. Other sources of information include reviewsof biosecurity basics and good management practicesfor preventing infectious diseases and biosecurityof feedstuffs (Buhman et al., 2000; BAMN, 2001). Allof these publications offer information and suggestionsthat could be evaluated for their impact on the designof an animal facility.It is essential that the agricultural animal care staffmaintain a high standard of biosecurity to protect theanimals from pathogenic organisms that can be transferredby humans. Good biosecurity begins with personalcleanliness. Showering or washing facilities andsupplies should be provided, and personnel shouldchange their clothing as often as necessary to maintainpersonal hygiene. Disposable gear such as gloves, masks,coats, coveralls, and shoe covers may be required undersome circumstances. Personnel should not leave thework place in protective clothing that has been wornwhile working with animals. Personnel should not bepermitted to eat, drink, apply cosmetics, or use tobaccoin animal facilities. Visitors should be limited as appro-