Thousands of cattle are used for scientific purposes in Aotearoa every year. In fact, they have been one of the most commonly used animals in NZ science since 1989!
This sadly makes sense when you consider how widely they are exploited for their milk and their bodies.
The species of cattle is simplified to cows by many people. Actually, only the mothers are called cows:
- Heifers are female cattle before they become mothers.
- Calves are their babies.
- The males are referred to as bulls (or steers if castrated).
Animal agriculture:
Thousands of cattle are used in Aotearoa every year in research aimed at trying to sustain, enhance and make more money for the animal agriculture industry.
Examples include research into:
1. Decreasing their negative impact on the environment - a cow on its own won't create a huge impact but because we have bred so many cattle in NZ, their collective impact is huge!
- Cattle have been put in respiration chambers so the amount of methane they produce can be measured. Researchers have also glued urine sensors around their vulva to try and investigate ways of reducing the amount of nitrogen produced in their urine (methane and nitrogen can create negative impacts on the environment).
2. Increasing the survival rate of calves - not for the calves themselves but so the animal agriculture industry doesn't lose as much money.
3. Learning more about the fertility of cows (i.e., trying to improve artificial insemination and reduce the rest time in-between pregnancies for cows). Again, this research is not done for the cows themselves but so they be made pregnant as often as possible so that more money can be made from their exploitation.
4. Genetic modification to try and create more desirable traits in cattle (i.e., genetically modifying cows to change the properties of their milk).
5. Diseases that cattle on farms often get such as lameness, mastitis (a common infection of the udder in dairy cows) and fungal and parasitic infections. This type of research often involves making the animals sick on purpose.
6. Ways of housing and keeping large numbers of cattle on farms (i.e., research into bedding, floor types, shelter, shade and hygiene practices).
7. Trying to find more “humane” slaughter methods (i.e., investigating what type of gas kills piglets the quickest and if stunning animals before killing them creates less of a pain response).
8. Different types of pain relief for standard procedures in the animal agriculture industry (i.e. dehorning, castration, C-section).
9. Safety tests for chemicals and animal remedies, including medications, supplements and fertilizers.
10. Increasing milk or muscle (beef) production (i.e., feeding cattle different additives and measuring how its digested).
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Fistulation: Cattle with holes cut into their bodies
For decades, researchers have artificially created fistulas (also known as cannulas) in ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep and deer. These are essentially window-like holes in the side of an animal's body.
Fistulas are tubes that are created surgically to connect a cow or sheep’s stomach to her skin. The outside of the fistula is covered with a plastic cap that can be opened by scientists to remove stomach contents for analysis or introduce foreign substances.
It is a painful procedure and cows are still suffering from the intrusive surgery up to 11 days after the surgery. Learn more here.
Additional calf exploitation - the calf blood industry
Calves and calf foetuses are killed, and the blood is drained from their bodies to be used in other research.
There are two main types of calf blood products: Fetal bovine serum and New Born Calf Serum.
Fetal bovine serum is taken from foetuses that have been removed from their mothers in slaughterhouses after they have been killed. A needle is injected into the foetus’ heart, and the blood is pumped out. The foetuses have to be alive during this so that their blood comes out easier. They also have to be at least three months into the gestation period to ensure that their heart is large enough to puncture.
Newborn Calf Serum is sourced similarly; calves who are 20 days old or younger have their heart punctured and are bled to death.
These products are used as a media base and growth supplement in many different types of research.
In the news
Mycoplasma Bovis: "Researchers will measure how M. Bovis impacts infected animals and herds, including physical signs, effects on milk yield and quality, weight gain in cattle, and the duration of these effects." Read more.
Cow shock collars: "Animals wear GPS-enabled collars that identify their location relative to invisible fence lines created on a digital farm map. The animals are trained to be guided by audio prompts (beeps) from the collars when required. As an animal gets close to a virtual fence, a series of beeps alerts them to the fence boundary. If they cross the fence line, they receive a "disincentive", a mild electric shock, and are guided back inside the line." Read more.
Bobby calves: Bobby calves (male calves of dairy cows) are normally unwanted by the dairy industry. Researchers are cross-breeding dairy cows with beef breeds so that bobby calves can be killed and eaten after a year, rather than being killed as "excess" after 4 days. Read more.
Climate change: AgResearch scientists have been given $10 million to develop cattle better adapted to warmer temperatures and to lower methane emissions. Read more.
Places that use cattle for science in NZ include universities such as Lincoln University (who have their own research dairy farm) and Massey University (they also have their own dairy farms), private companies such as Abacus Bio Limited and Cognosco, crown institutes such as AgResearch, industry bodies such as Dairy NZ and by other organisations and individuals.
Cattle used for science in NZ are sourced from commercial establishments, farms, public sources, breeding units and other sources.
Discover real-life examples of how cattle have been used in NZ below!
Studying selenium metabolism
Cats and dogs were fed diets with different selenium supplementation for three weeks in individual metabolic chambers. A liver biopsy was taken under anaesthesia.
Monitoring wild cats via GPS collar
Wild cats were caught and fitted with GPS collars. After an average of 9.75 days, there were recaptured to retrieve the collars.
Testing new toxin against stoats and wild pets
Dogs, cats and stoats were fed different versions of toxic bait. Symptoms and time of death were monitored. Four dogs and two cats survived, but their fate is not stated.
Testing the efficacy and shelf-life of a toxin
Captive wild cats were used to compare the efficacy of different toxin formulations and the effect of more extended bait storage. Cats were fed the toxin bait or pipette-fed toxin directly as control. Symptom onset and time of death were monitored.
Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves
Lambs and calves were treated against parasites and then infected with worm eggs. Infection status was monitored. This was repeated several times before all sheep were killed.
Testing a fertility treatment
Cows with fertility problems were treated with hormones for ten days or left untreated. All were then artificially inseminated.
Testing a supplement for more calcium intake
Pregnant cows were fed with or without a specific feed additive. After birth, all were fed the same diet. Blood samples were taken in the weeks around birth.
Checking endometritis rates in dairy herds
Some cows in several dairy herds were selected, and their vaginal discharge was measured and sampled. They were then impregnated as per standard agricultural practice.
Comparing weight gain with different diets
Newborn calves were raised on various milk, pasture, and pellets combinations. They were slaughtered at two years old, and their “quality” was measured.
Testing pain meds for disbudding
The horn buds of young calves who were slightly sedated were burned off with a hot iron. Half of them received pain meds beforehand, and blood samples were taken before and after. After 24 hours, the second group received pain meds, too.
Studying Ikeda infection and treatment
Regular blood samples were taken from cows on three different farms. Only some were treated against the parasite. Milk production and fertility were recorded.
Studying diarrhea infection
New mother cows had blood samples taken. If the sample was negative for a diarrhoea virus, they were sampled again after a while.
Studying genes for body size
Udders of dairy cows were slightly cut with a scalpel, and a tissue sample was taken with a biopsy needle.
Testing toxicity of a potential new fertiliser
Pigs were fed toxic bait and monitored until they died.
Studying stress around birth
Blood samples were taken from cows with a high or low risk of health concerns after birth.
Studying genetics of a missing tail
Cloned foetuses were implanted into female cattle to research taillessness. Some of them were killed during pregnancy to examine the foetuses. One tailless animal was killed at age 4, and one of the cloned calves died after birth.
Studying Ikeda (parasite) infection
Blood samples were taken from dairy cows and their calves directly after birth before separating them. After four months, the calves were sampled again.
Studying Osteoporosis in cows
Young female cattle who had given birth for the first time were sent to slaughter. Half of them had broken bones for between 2 and 10 days. Blood samples were taken before slaughter, and bones were collected after.
Testing a tuberculosis vaccine
Male calves were infected with bacteria. Two groups were vaccinated before or after the infection, and the third group was left untreated. All were killed and dissected 13 weeks later.
Testing feeding plans for better immunity after calving
Pregnant cows were fed either a bit too much or a bit too little. Blood samples were taken before, at, and after calving. Researchers also took liver samples with a 20-cm biopsy needle and vaginal samples with a small brush and a scoop at these dates, except for the date of birth.
Testing dogs’ preception of time
Dogs were trained to press different levers based on their exposure to different types of light.
Testing working dogs for a gene mutation
Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from working dogs to analyse their DNA.</p><p id="">Procedure: Buccal samples were collected from 100 working farm dogs. Their owners were approached at gatherings such as Working Dog Trials, veterinary clinics and farms. Swabs were taken under the owner’s care. No adverse effects from the sampling were reported.
Determining how common E. coli is in pets
Rectal swaps were taken from cats and dogs presented at veterinary clinics, and their caregivers filled out a questionnaire.
Testing interest of dogs in different kiwi bird items
Dogs were taken to a small area to interact with different items that looked or smelled like kiwi bird. Some dogs had patches of hair shaved off to attach a heart rate monitor.
Teaching dogs to smell out koi carps (2018)
Five pet dogs were trained over several months to identify the smell of koi carb from water samples.
Measuring lean body mass of working dogs
Blood samples were taken from dogs, while they were deprived of water for 2 hours.
Testing a possum poison for other animals’ safety
Dogs were fed dead possum, either whole or minced. Once they got used to eating this, they were fed with possums killed with sodium nitrite, and signs for poisoning were monitored. In the end, all animals were killed and dissected.
Investigating separation anxiety in Greyhounds
The occurrence of separation anxiety with rehomed Greyhounds was investigated over one year.
Investigating a muscle weakness disease in dogs
Blood samples were taken from dogs with signs of myopathy within the regular veterinary treatment. A total of 22 of the 86 cases were euthanised.
Analysing CT scans of dogs
Veterinary data of German shepherd dogs were analysed; most were police dogs.
Testing if bone marrow is different in different body parts
Dogs were killed, and samples of their bone marrow were taken from different locations on their bodies.
Practising vet skills on different species
Students are taught anatomy, physiology, animal handling and basic clinical/husbandry skills. Dogs were used in for training in anaesthesia classes.
Assessing blindness in racing greyhounds
Greyhounds were treated with pupil dilation drops to examine their eyes. Some were brought to a vet clinic for further tests.
Testing a possum poison for other animals’ safety
Dogs, chickens and wild-caught cats were fed dead possum. Once they got used to eating this, they were fed possums killed with sodium nitrite, and signs for poisoning were monitored.
Testing nutritional value of new pet food
Cats and dogs were fed a test diet exclusively for several months. Some adults are kept in metabolic chambers for 10 days, and blood samples are taken at the end.
Scanning spines of dogs in CT
Police dogs and racing Greyhounds were sedated and computed tomography imaging was taken.
Studying fish behaviour in groups of multiple species
Mixed-species groups of fish (partly caught in the wild) were placed in a tank and fasted for 24 hours. Food was given and an artificial predator was used to study behaviour.
Studying food chains near CO2 vents
Fish and snails were observed and counted near CO2 vents and at control sites. Fish were also caught to examine their stomach content.
Studying fish behaviour in single-species groups
Young fish were caught in the wild and split into groups of 15, 75, and 150 animals. After being fasted for 24 hours, food was given and an artificial predator was used to study behaviour.
Testing the side-bias of fish (if they prefer to swim left or right)
Wild-caught fish were kept for 1.5 years before each fish was placed on a runway to observe their behaviour. Afterwards, fish were observed for schooling movements and some were killed to dissect their brains.
Studying effects of Climate Change on farming in damselfish
Fish were observed for their algae farming behaviour near CO2 vents and at control sites (Bay of Plenty). Small areas were covered to keep the fish away for a month and compare algae growths measured to compare.
Trying to estimate habitat quality from body condition
Snappers were hatched from eggs and raised on commercial food. They were kept in 800-litre flow-through tanks containing 170 to 260 fish each. At 80 days, they were fasted killed.
Trying different techniques for tagging fish
Fish were bait-trapped and treated for parasites. They were used to test different tagging methods. In the second part of the experiment, fish were caught with two different methods, after which injuries and survival over 12 days were monitored.
Studying fish near volcanic vents to learn about Climate Change
Fish near volcanic CO2 vents and at control sites were observed and counted. The reaction to baited underwater cameras and predator threats was filmed. Aquarium experiments were conducted with caught fish of different species.
Verifying “fish-friendly” flood pumps
Eels were caught, measured and tagged with transponders into the gut skin. They were later re-captured, observed for wounds and fungus and killed to examine internal damage.
Testing the temperature tolerance of Antarctic fish
Wild-caught fish were kept individually for months in tanks. During temperature experiments, fish of each group were tested for their breathing ability in small tubes before all fish were killed.
Slowly poisoning fish
Snappers were fasted for three days and then fed with toxic fish. Several died during feeding, and the rest were killed at the end.
Studying population changes in reef fish
Over 1,000 fish were caught by spearing at three NZ locations.
Testing the hearing of fish
Fish were anaesthetised and strapped to a plastic slide near an underwater speaker. Electrodes were placed in their head and gills to measure brain activity. For medical imaging, fish were restrained in a plastic tube with a sponge to keep them wet.
Developing a model for thermal stress in humans
Guinea pig pups were lightly anaesthetised, connected to devices measuring heart activity and breathing, and wrapped in a temperature-controlling blanket. Their body temperature was either forcefully raised or dropped.
Testing how too much fructose is bad during pregnancy
Female guinea pigs were mated; some were fed additional sugary water until birth. The pups were used for several glucose tolerance tests and X-rays. All pups were killed in the end.
Testing a seizure medicine for preterm babies
Pregnant guinea pigs were induced to give birth early, to test medication on their pups.
Testing the effects of sedatives
Young guinea pigs were treated with different sedatives. Their heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and during each treatment.
Testing an refined way of anaesthesia in guinea pigs
Guinea pigs were made to inhale anaesthetic gases. Different probes were inserted and attached to the animals to measure responses.
Studying the effect of fructose during pregnancy
Guinea pigs were fed either normally or supplemented with fruit sugar before and during pregnancy until birth. Mothers and pups were tested for glucose tolerance.
Studying the effects of meth
Guinea pigs were injected with sedatives, caffeine, and later meth. Under anaesthesia, their livers were cut out before they were killed.
Studying preterm birth effects on the brain
Pregnant guinea pigs were grouped to give birth normally or be induced early. The pups were put through behavioural tests and then killed for dissection.
Studying trauma and treatment of cochlear implants
After destroying their hearing with noise, guinea pigs were fitted with cochlear implants. Treatment success was tested before they were killed.
Testing the measurement of pupil reflexes in Alzheimer’s research
Guinea pigs were repeatedly flashed in the eyes with a phone light to record the pupil responses.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Investigating mechanisms slowing down the heart rate
Young guinea pigs were injected with blood thinner before being anaesthetised and dissected.
Testing a device to assess hearing
Young guinea pigs were anaesthetised, electrodes placed under their skin, and their brain's response to sound was measured. All guinea pigs had one ear damaged, some both ears, before all were killed.
Studying changes in the inner ear due to inflammation
Guinea pigs were injected into the ear with bacteria. Medical scans were done after injecting chemicals, and most were killed for dissection.
Studying the effects of medication on memory
Guinea pigs were force-fed different drugs and later tested in a water maze before some were killed. Another group was exposed to carbon dioxide and decapitated.
Studying how anaesthetics affect intestine movement
Guinea pigs and rats were anaesthetised, then dissected, and then killed, in that order.
Researching scoliosis genes
Transgenic mice with a specific gene defect were mated. Pregnant mice were at several time points. The unborn babies were taken, skinned, and gutted to stain their skeletons for better pictures.
Studying hormone influences on obesity and fertility
Transgenic mice were bred to have diabetes symptoms. Together with control mice, they were fed a normal or a high caloric diet and compared for their fertility over 150 days.
Testing a new stroke treatment
Mice were squeezed into plastic cones, and test drugs were dripped on their nose. An artificial stroke was caused by injecting a chemical into their brain. Before and after, mice had to perform behavioural tests. All were then killed to take their brains.
Testing another new stroke treatment
Mice were operated on several times. They were made to experience an artificial stroke, were later injected with a possible treatment, and then were injected with a marker. The mice had their memory tested before they were killed.
Testing prostate cancer drugs
Mice were anaesthetised, and their prostate was injected with cancer cells or a control solution. A 42-day treatment course started three weeks later with different treatment drugs and control solutions. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing a heart attack treatment
Mice were trained to eat jelly and then subjected to an artificial heart attack. They received either a new drug or a control substance. Regular heart ultrasounds were performed before they were killed and dissected.
Studying ovary problems caused by testosterone
Transgenic mice were implanted with a capsule containing either hormones or not. Vaginal smears were done for several weeks, and serial blood tests were performed twice. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing an Autism treatment on transgenic mice
Mice were genetically modified to show "autism-like" symptoms. Together with control animals, they were either fed normally or with a high-zinc diet. Invasive behavioural tests were performed. At least some, likely all, were killed.
Comparing transgenic mice and humans
Mice were anaesthetised, and their body composition was measured several times. Their grip strength and balance were tested with lab equipment. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing a new stroke drug for better dexterity
Transgenic mice were anaesthetised, and an artificial stroke was caused. They then received either a test drug or a control solution. After recovery, their food was limited to test their fine motor skills every other week. After two months, they were killed.
Testing migraine drugs
Mice were injected with potential migraine drugs and anaesthetised. Ultrasound imaging of their ears was taken. One ear was rubbed with capsaicin to record the increased blood flow and compare different drugs, doses, and time points.
Killing rats and mice for tissue
Rats and mice were anaesthetised, and their necks were broken. Their tissue was then used for research.
Studying Alzheimer’s and stroke symptoms
One group of transgenic mice were bred and killed at either four or 12 months of age by flushing their hearts. Another group was anaesthetised and caused to have a stroke. They were killed the same way.
Testing Alzheimer’s treatment on mice
Transgenic and “normal” mice were injected with a special protein and a chemical to mark new brain cells that may have been produced.
Testing a new Alzheimer’s drug
Newborn mice were killed to collect brain tissue. Adult mice were used to test drug reactions. They were anaesthetised twice; to inject the drugs and to flush their hearts and take their brains.
Testing if anaesthesia affects the sleep–wake cycle when combined with light treatment
Mice were kept on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and then switched to total darkness. During this time, they were exposed to light once, either with or without anaesthesia. The effect on their activity cycles was monitored. In the end, all were killed.
Harvesting colon tissue for laboratory tests
Pigs were killed and their colon tissue was used for laboratory testing.
Testing if pigs can be fed by-products from biofuel and food processing
Pigs were fed a standard diet or a diet containing by-products from other industries. They were slaughtered to compare meat growth and quality.
Studying starch digestion in pigs to try and model humans
Pigs were fed different diets containing durum wheat or rice. Some had regular blood samples taken through a catheter. All the animals were killed at the end.
Validating a treatment for stomach muscle dysfunctions
Pigs were anaesthetised, their bellies were opened, and electrodes were placed on their stomach walls before and after damaging some stomach tissue with heat. All pigs were killed.
Assessing pigs as digestion models for humans
Titanium tubes were implanted into pigs’ intestines. Digested food was collected through the tube for 9 hours.
Testing the effect of different species’ milk on brain gene expression
Piglets were fed different kinds of milk from other species for 15 days. They were killed to dissect their brains.
Testing transmitter implantation on wild pigs
Wild pigs were captured, and three different tracking devices were fixed to or implanted into each one. After 104 days, they were tracked down and killed.
Investigating oxygen content in the gut
Pigs were fed diets with different or no protein sources as a control. After a week, all were killed.
Testing a UV treatment for bacterial eye infection
Pigs’ eyes were acquired for testing a new treatment, followed by tests on live mice, most of whom were killed.
Testing the effect of different species’ milk on protein digestion
Piglets were fed different kinds of milk from other species for 15 days. They were killed to dissect their stomachs.
Testing the strain on a temporary surgical implant
A surgical implant was screwed to a severed pig head, and measurements were taken via laser scanning.
Investigating intestine movements
Young pigs and NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised. A part of their intestine was pulled out far enough to record its movements and signalling.
Harvesting rabbit and pig eyes for lab tests
The eyes of slaughtered rabbits and pigs killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
Harvesting eyes for lab tests
The eyes of pigs and rabbits killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
Testing a treatment for stomach muscle dysfunctions
Pigs were anaesthetised, their bellies were opened, and electrodes were placed on their stomach walls before and after damaging some stomach tissue with heat. All pigs were killed.
Testing how electric stimulation affects stomach movements
Nine pigs were anaesthetised, their bellies were opened, and electrodes were placed on the stomach walls. Electric stimulation tests were performed before the pigs were killed.
Studying food intake in an autism "model"
Pregnant rats were injected to cause autism-like symptoms in their babies. The male babies were put through behavioural tests with control animals as well as a feeding study. Some were fasted for 16 hours and killed by flushing their hearts.
Testing the safety of a probiotic supplement
Rats were force-fed with a probiotic solution or control solution. After two weeks, they were killed for dissection.
Studying the effects of obesity and mussel powder on bone health
Rats were kept alone and fed different diets containing normal or high amounts of fat or sugar. Some were supplemented with Greenshell mussel powder. X-rays were done, and some rats' ovaries were removed. Ultimately, all were killed by bleeding them out.
Testing if a brain region controls memory
Some rats had their brains surgically heat-damaged. Electrodes were implanted to monitor brain activity and to stimulate the damaged parts with light. Rats then had to re-perform memory tests to see the impact before all were killed.
Studying the communication between inner ear and brain
Rats were anaesthetised, and their inner ear was partly removed, before parts of their brains were stimulated with wire electrodes. Reactions of the rat's eyes and brain were recorded. In the end, all rats were killed.
Testing a connection between tinnitus and brain function
Rats were anaesthetised and one ear was damaged with noise. Rats were taught that silence meant they would get electric shocks and freeze in fear. This was a test for tinnitus.
Testing diabetic rats’ hearts
Genetically diabetic fat rats and their lean littermates were anaesthetised. Ultrasound images were made from their hearts. All were killed and dissected.
Testing the effect of diabetes on pregnancy hormones
Rats were anaesthetised, and their brain was accessed through the mouth to measure reactions to stimulation. In the end, all rats were killed.
Trying to study schizophrenia
Half of a group of pregnant rats were injected to affect their babies' brain development. Some pups were allowed to grow up to test their behaviour.
Releasing a rat family into the wild to see where they go
A wild-caught rat was mated, fed a fluorescent dye, and released again with her pups. Traps, tunnels, and cameras were set up to track and eventually recapture the animals, which did not work 100%.
Comparing digestion of sheep versus cow milk yoghurt
Rats were fed cow milk, sheep milk, cow yoghurt or sheep yoghurt for two weeks. They were gassed with CO2 before their necks were broken.
Testing a rat poison that is unattractive for dogs
Rats were kept in small cages and fasted overnight. Then, they were given two food trays. One of them was scented with lion, tiger, or dog faeces.
Comparing digestion of sheep versus cow milk
Rats were fed a test diet containing beef protein and received cow milk or sheep milk instead of drinking water. After 28 days, all were killed.
Testing medication after heart attack
Rats were anaesthetised, and their hearts were exposed. A heart attack was simulated by blocking an artery. Some had dye injected into their brains, and some were injected with test drugs. All animals were killed.
Testing a medicine against drug addiction
Mice's tails were dunked in hot water. Rats were put through cycles of drug-seeking and withdrawal using self-injection of cocaine. Other rats were injected, and their behaviour was tested (with the notorious Forces Swim Test, among others).
Studying cell death in breast tissue
Mother rats had some of their newborns taken away, and several of her teats were sealed off after two weeks. They were killed after different waiting times to analyse the dying tissue.
Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves
Lambs and calves were treated against parasites and then infected with worm eggs. Infection status was monitored. This was repeated several times before all sheep were killed.
Using sheep to try and model how well humans will heal after dental surgery
Sheep were anaesthetised, three teeth were pulled, and the sockets were treated differently. For months, regular samples were taken from the healing wounds before all sheep were killed.
Preclinical testing of a gene therapy for Batten disease
Sheep with and without a specific gene mutation were checked and scanned regularly for nine months. Affected sheep received gene therapy at different ages. Treated sheep were killed.
Testing if blocking a cell signal can prevent foetal brain injury
Pregnant sheep were anaesthetised, and the foetuses fitted with electrodes. The umbilical cord was blocked for most of them, and half were treated with a test drug. Mothers and unborn lambs were killed three weeks later.
Testing the combination of drugs for congestive heart failure treatment
Sheep were anaesthetised and subjected to surgery. Electrodes were used to pace their hearts faster while testing the effect of different drugs.
Testing the best way to deliver gene therapy drugs
Sheep were anaesthetised. Their heads were drilled into, and their brains injected with test drugs. They were killed after three weeks.
Testing the potency of pneumonia vaccines for sheep
Lambs were vaccinated twice, and regular blood samples were taken for 34 weeks.
Testing the effects and wash-out of painkillers
Lambs were treated with different painkillers or not at all before tail docking and castration. Their behaviour was monitored.
Developing “hyperimmune” milk
Sheep were injected with Covid-19 vaccines, and regular blood samples were taken. Some were mated and gave birth to sample their milk, too.
Studying the genetics of Batten disease on chimeric lambs
Sheep foetuses were removed. After swapping cells between them, they were inserted into other ewes. Lambs born were subjected to X-rays and, at one to three years old, were bled out for dissection.
Testing pacemaker adjustments
After causing them heart failure, sheep were surgically fitted with pacemakers and measurement devices. Those who survived the procedures were killed after six months.
Studying methane emission and meat quality
Sheep were bred for high and low methane emissions. Almost 2,000 were put through emission measurements. Over 17,000 were slaughtered.
Studying the effect of chemicals in normal and high blood pressure
Sheep were surgically fitted with a clip around an artery, or they served as control. Measuring devices were added before injecting different chemicals into the hearts of the conscious sheep.
Comparing muscle repair success with and without weeks of delay
Ewes were anaesthetised, and one side of a pelvis muscle was detached. After several weeks, the muscle was repaired. Gait was evaluated before all were killed.
Comparing different designs of dental implants
Sheep were anaesthetised. One leg bone was exposed and fitted with several implants. After 12 weeks, all were killed.
Trying to model human brain injuries
To study changes in different areas of the brain after brain injuries. Sheep were used to study the effects of traumatic brain injuries in humans.
Questioning vets on pain management
Veterinarians completed a questionnaire regarding pain and pain management in rabbits and guinea pigs.
Testing immunity assays for RHD virus
Wild-caught rabbits were injected with Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). All that did not die were killed.
Testing treatments for another medication overdose
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and catheters were placed in blood vessels and intestines. After poisoning them with an overdose of medication, different treatments were tested for one hour.
Testing treatments for anaesthesia overdose
NZ White rabbits were restrained, fitted with catheters and needle electrodes and then given an anaesthetic. Saline or lipid solutions were given, and the reaction was monitored.
Testing retention time of eye medication
NZ White rabbits were restrained, and medication was put into their eyes. The reaction was recorded.
Harvesting rabbit and rat hearts for lab tests
NZ White rabbits and rats were killed to use their hearts in lab tests.
Testing a treatment for medication overdose
Rabbits were anaesthetised, and devices measuring blood pressure and heart rate were placed. After testing a toxicity treatment, all were killed.
Testing different treatments for medication overdose
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and devices to measure their circulation were placed. Their hearts were stopped, and “first aid” was performed before all were killed.
Testing a treatment combination for medication overdose
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised devices to measure their circulation were placed. Their hearts were stopped, and “first aid” was performed before all were killed.
Studying rabbit eyes to learn about human glaucoma
Dutch black-belted rabbits were anaesthetised and killed. Their eyes were removed and studied.
Comparing effects of anaesthetics on breathing and heart rate
Guinea pigs, rabbits and rats were anaesthetised, and a tube was put into their windpipe through the neck. They were made to breathe anaesthetic gas.