Hardin Library Resources
Why Animal Alternatives?
Under Section 2.31 of the Animal Welfare Act Regulations and USDA Policies #11 and #12, a Principle Investigator (PI) is required to provide a written narrative to determine if alternatives exist to procedures which may cause pain or distress in animals used for teaching or research.
Remember the 3 R's:
- Refine (employ techniques that reduce pain and distress);
- Reduce (minimize the number of animals used);
- Replace (substitute animal with nonanimal methods or lower organisms).
This guide was developed by librarians at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences together with members of the University of Iowa IACUC to assist animal users with this federally mandated responsibility.
What is the IACUC?
All animal research, teaching, and training at the University of Iowa is under the direction of the Insitutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Office of Animal Resources (OAR). The UI IACUC has been established in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Animals. The IACUC must review and approve all University activities related to the care and use of animals prior to initiation of animal procedures. The OAR provides a centralized animal care program to facilitate the animal research needs at the University of Iowa. The OAR provides the veterinary expertise, care, and resources necessary for the maintenance and preservation of a quality animal research program.
