Alternatives and improvements

The Open University (OU) is committed to the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).

Replacement

Adopting methods which avoid or replace the use of animals

Researchers at The Open University used the soil-living worm, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as a model for mammalian neurotoxicity. This replaced traditional vertebrae models with invertebrate ones, in genetic experiments to identify the molecular targets of organophosphate pesticides (OP) exposure. This study helped build a more thorough understanding of how OP exposure contributes to mood disorders.

Reduction

Adopting methods which minimise the number of animals used

The OU's Biomedical Research Unit developed a breeding-management method for Wistar and Lister-Hooded rats, using the presence of the oestrous dance to time-mate females. This new method resulted in a reduction of animal use, as a smaller number of rats were required to produce new litters.

Refinement

Adopting methods which minimise animal suffering and improve welfare

Staff in the Biomedical Research Unit used tunnel handling to pick up mice. This technique caused mice far less anxiety than the traditional method of handling, which involved holding mice by the tail.