Fish

Learn about the many surprising ways that fish are used for science in NZ.

Fish were the single most used species for science in 2020.1 Most were used in basic biological research (the study of living things and their processes) and were also used in animal husbandry research, species conservation, and more.

Why so many fish are used: Most fish have a very short reproductive cycle, meaning they can be bred quickly, they also don't generally cost much to breed or house, making them desirable test subjects in science.

Zebrafish are regularly used as animal models for human development. A single pair of zebrafish can produce 100 to 300 embryos in one week. Zebrafish embryos are transparent and have their whole “body plan” laid down only 2 days after fertilisation. The similarity between human and zebrafish genomes is often cited as a reason to use them in models.2 

Snapper3, eels4 and other fish that are eaten5 are also regularly used in science because of their importance to the commercial fishery. This industry will always be looking for ways to maximise its profits.4

Many fish living in the wild are studied as a way to research climate change.

Fish in NZ have been used for:

1. Research into optimising the growth and use of fish for human consumption. This includes research into optimal feeding, genes responsible for body size and growth speed.

Other examples include:

  • Testing environmental influences and impacts (i.e. how salmon farms affect surrounding ecosystems).
  • Researching how toxins accumulate in fish organs (i.e. algae toxins, mercury).
  • Finding treatments/vaccines for illnesses and injuries from aquaculture.
  • Manipulating the life cycle of fish to try and maximise reproduction.

2. Teaching purposes in schools and universities, including observational activities and dissections.

3. Medical research (i.e., they are used to try and model humans).

Examples include:

  • Fish larvae have been used to try and model human immunity.
  • Fish embryos have been used to try and study human foetal development.
  • Genetically modified fish have been used to try and study adipostasis and glucose metabolism.

4. Basic research into fish biology, including research into how sharks sleep, how hearing develops in fish, microbes inside fish stomachs and the spread of viruses in wild fish.

5. Research into the effects of climate change, including research into marine food webs, biodiversity changes, species behaviour and interactions and predator abundance.

Other examples include research into:

  • Measuring the genetic reactions to stress.
  • The effects of herbicides on fish behaviour
  • How well Arctic fish do at higher temperatures.

6. Species conservation, including research into killing unwanted species (i.e., koi carb, catfish, rudd, and goldfish).

Other examples include research into:

  • The efficiency of one-way barriers on lake outflow.
  • Fish-friendly flood pumps (i.e. for eels).
  • Finding out where wild fish breed the most (to see which areas are worth protecting).
  • Optimising catching/tagging methods for re-capture projects.

7. Ecotoxicity testing (i.e., in tests that measure how biological, chemical or physical stressors affect ecosystems).

Places that use fish for science in NZ include universities, crown research institutes, polytechnics, commercial organisations and others.

The University of Otago for example has its own Zebrafish Facility. The MPI naturally has a research interest in fisheries and ecosystems. As a crown research institute, NIWA’s research in the fields of aquaculture, fisheries, and the Antarctic is funded by the government. Cawthron Aquaculture Park is home to a dedicated Finfish Research Centre (FRC), which opened in 2018 with funding support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Fish used for science in NZ are sourced from breeding units, fish farms, commercial sources, and public sources, are born during projects or are captured in the wild.

Discover real-life examples of how fish have been used in NZ below!

Measuring thickness of blood vessel walls

Colony cats were anaesthetised, and the blood vessels under their tongue were measured with a special hand-held camera.

Publication Link

Collecting faeces for lab tests

Colony cats were fed different diets for three weeks before their faeces was collected for analyses.

Publication Link

Surveying caregivers on their cat feeding

New Zealand cat caregivers filled in an online survey about their household demographics and what/how they feed their cats.

Publication Link

Testing new toxin in Hawke’s Bay (again)

Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.

Publication Link

Assessing stress reaction to anaesthesia in cats

Cats were put through several anaesthetic infusions with six-day breaks in between. Regular saliva samples were taken 24 hours before and after, and urine was collected through a wire mesh tray.

Publication Link

Trialling ready-made toxic bait

Toxic bait stations are set up in a regular pattern in an area and left for two weeks. Trial cameras and tracking tunnels monitor the effect on the population.

Publication Link

Studying medical data of cat and dog CT-imaging

Medical data from cats and dogs were gathered, and animals that had been euthanised for other reasons were examined.

Publication Link

Testing if a human diabetes drug might also work in cats

Research cats were placed in individual cages four times (one week each time) and injected with either a diabetes drug or a control solution. Several blood and urine samples were taken.

Publication Link

Testing a cat food supplement for tooth health

Colony cats were anaesthetised, and all plaque was removed from their teeth. Four weeks later, new plaque build-up was measured.

Publication Link

Sampling cats for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from almost 200 cats at 15 veterinary clinics.

Publication Link

Testing food preferences of cats

Cats were fasted for two hours in the mornings and then presented with different foods (lamb and beef parts) to measure their consumption.

Publication Link

Monitoring wild cats for a year

Wild cats are trapped and fitted with GPS collars. After one year, they are recaptured and killed.

Publication Link

Trialling a lighter rifle to kill trapped wild cats

Captured wild cats were shot in the head using an air rifle and were assessed to confirm death by recording the time to loss of heartbeat.

Publication Link

Testing a predictive marker for cancer survival in cats

Veterinary samples of cats with this form of cancer were analysed and compared with their remaining survival since diagnosis.

Publication Link

Monitoring outdoor cat behaviour

Privately owned cats with outdoor access were fitted with camera and GPS collars for up to three days.

Publication Link

Testing a diagnostic for feline coronavirus

Cats with specific symptoms were used to take blood, tissue, and fluid samples. Some blood samples were taken from control cats.

Publication Link

Studying the genes for hairyness

The hairiness of male and female cattle was rated. Some animals had their rectal temperature taken repeatedly, and some were shut in a hot room for two hours to make them sweat. Eight calves were killed to take brain samples.

Publication Link

Optimising fertility treatment

Young female cattle were treated with different hormonal injections to control their fertility cycle. Around ten rectal ultrasounds were done on each of them within 11 days, and several blood samples were taken in the next month. All but nine were artificially inseminated. The nine animals showed no fertility signs and were therefore useless for the study and the industry.

Publication Link

Trying out a health test for breeding bulls

Breeding bulls were infected with a skin fungus that usually results in a dangerous build-up in the gall and eczema. Through a special diet, bulls can be tested for their reactions via repeated blood samples and ranked for their genetic quality.

Publication Link

Testing a vaccine against miscarriage

Younger and older pregnant cattle were injected with a new vaccine against a parasite or just control solution. Skin reactions to the injection were checked, and blood samples were taken. Farmers reported miscarriages when they happened, and dead foetuses were collected if possible. If female calves were born, blood samples were taken from them, too.

Publication Link

Studying Johne’s disease

Some female calves of a group were infected with bacteria causing life-threatening sickness. Poo samples were collected directly from the rectum of all calves every other month. Half were killed to be dissected at 7 months, the rest at 15 months.

Publication Link

Studying Johne’s disease bacteria

Blood samples were taken from sick dairy cows who were sent to slaughter to see if their immune system was even putting up a fight. After slaughter, organ samples were taken.

Publication Link

Finding a gene to increase casein in milk

Breeding bulls were evaluated on their quality by judging, breeding, and milking their daughters. No exact numbers are stated how many lived to the end of the study (5 lactations).

Publication Link

Testing a new way to treat liver flukes

Young cattle were infected with liver flukes. They were treated with different medications or left untreated. Regular blood samples were taken from all animals for three weeks, and they were killed ten weeks later.

Publication Link

Studying effects of stunning before slaughter

Calves and sheep were anaesthetised. Some got 70-volt shocks to the shoulder. Others had a nerve exposed and stimulated before being stunned or cutting their throat.

Publication Link

Measuring brain reactions to stunning after killing

Calves were fasted for 24 hours and then anaesthetised. They were killed by their throats being cut, followed by stunning while measuring EEG/ECG (electronic heart and brain activity) and blood pressure.

Publication Link

Measuring brain reactions to stunning

Calves were fasted, anaesthetised and stunned with a non-penetrative bolt while being monitored for their response. After measurements were taken, they were killed.

Publication Link

Studying brain reactions to cutting blood vessels or neck tissue

Calves were anaesthetised, and their throat blood vessels exposed. While monitoring the brain“s activity (EEG) and blood pressure, either only the blood vessels or only the neck tissue was cut. The latter animals were then killed, too.

Publication Link

Measuring if being slaughtered is unpleasant

Calves were fasted, anaesthetised, and killed by cutting their throat. EEG and ECG (recording electronic heart and brain activity) were measured with electrodes in the head.

Publication Link

Measuring brain reactions to pain

Twenty calves were fasted and anaesthetised. Their horn buds were removed with a scoop, and pain response of the heart and brain with and without pain blockers.

Publication Link

Testing mastitis treatments

Dairy cows with an udder infection were treated with different antibiotic injections. Milk samples were taken to monitor results.

Publication Link

Trying to clone cows with more valuable milk protein

The genetic material of a cow foetus was manipulated and cloned into several cows. When they were less than one year old, they were injected with hormones to produce milk for sampling.

Publication Link

Testing dogs’ preception of time

Dogs were trained to press different levers based on their exposure to different types of light.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Measuring lean body mass of working dogs

Blood samples were taken from dogs, while they were deprived of water for 2 hours.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Investigating separation anxiety in Greyhounds

The occurrence of separation anxiety with rehomed Greyhounds was investigated over one year.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Analysing CT scans of dogs

Veterinary data of German shepherd dogs were analysed; most were police dogs.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Scanning spines of dogs in CT

Police dogs and racing Greyhounds were sedated and computed tomography imaging was taken.

Publication Link

Studying how viruses spread in fish

Fish were caught with nets and killed.

Publication Link

Using fish to study the impacts of Climate Change

Fish were either bought or caught and killed so that they could be dissected.

Publication Link

Overfeeding Zebrafish to learn about obesity

Normal and transgenic zebrafish were fed normally or way too much. The fish were taken out of the water for glucose tests and blood samples.

Publication Link

Studying gut bacteria in fish

Nine fish were caught by underwater spearing and killed so that samples could be collected from their digestion tracts.

Publication Link

Studying the sleep of sharks

Sharks were caught and kept in outside tanks. For the experiments, they weren't fed for at least 4 days, of which they spent 3 days in a measuring chamber not much bigger than the shark. Oxygen consumption and behaviour were continuously recorded for the last 24 hours.

Publication Link

Infecting fish larvae as a potential model for humans

Zebrafish larvae were injected with bacteria to test how their immune system responds. This was repeated to test how well the immune system reacted and how long the effect lasts.

Publication Link

Finding a “growth gene” in snappers

Snappers were caught from the wild and bred. Around eighty-thousand of their offspring were hatched and raised. At regular “grading” events, injured and deformed fish were disposed of. At just under a year old, around twenty-two-thousand were left and transported to a sea pen, where they were raised to 17.5 months old before harvesting.

Publication Link

Testing how much fat you can feed fish

Fish in aquaculture were divided into groups and fed diets with different fat content. Fish were anaesthetised and faeces samples squeezed out of them.

Publication Link

Testing fish for mercury contamination

Wild fish were caught, measured and frozen to be analysed.

Publication Link

Measuring how stress affects fish

Fish were exposed to chronic stress for four weeks, while 57 non-stressed animals were kept as a control. Signs of stress were noted. At the end of the experiment, all were chilled to death.

Publication Link

Exposing fish to herbicides

Zebrafish were kept in tanks that were contaminated with different herbicide concentrations for 10 days. They were then mated to herbicide-exposed or control fish. Both generations were tested on behavioural changes at around 4 months of age. 24 fish per treatment were killed and dissected.

Publication Link

Testing supplements as protection from toxins in over 1,000 fish embryos

Embryos were harvested and kept in Petri dishes for toxicity and treatment tests. Embryos were treated with an antioxidant, a gold salt or both on the first day, and abnormal development was measured on day 5.

Publication Link

Studying effects of drying rivers on mudfish

Water depth and quality were measured at 24 different sites. Several traps for fish and invertebrates were set at 8 visits, sampling and mostly killing the caught animals (including 15 individuals of the endangered Kōwaro).

Publication Link

Studying bacterial spread in fish larvae

Bacteria were genetically modified and made fluorescent. Zebrafish were bred, and their larvae were infected with the bacteria. The fish were killed for analyses or used for live imaging under a microscope (and then killed, most likely).

Publication Link

Investigating effects of invasive fish removal

Using fyke nets and electrofishing, fish were caught on four occasions. Fish were marked with fin clippings around one big removal event where 3 tonnes of fish were caught. In recaptures a week after each marking event, invasive fish caught were killed after the examination.

Publication Link

Studying fish life cycles

Fish were sedated and their blood and ovarian tissue were sampled three times.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Testing a seizure medicine for preterm babies

Pregnant guinea pigs were induced to give birth early, to test medication on their pups.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Teaching animal researchers

A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.

Publication Link

Investigating mechanisms slowing down the heart rate

Young guinea pigs were injected with blood thinner before being anaesthetised and dissected.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Studying how anaesthetics affect intestine movement

Guinea pigs and rats were anaesthetised, then dissected, and then killed, in that order.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Killing rats and mice for tissue

Rats and mice were anaesthetised, and their necks were broken. Their tissue was then used for research.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Harvesting colon tissue for laboratory tests

Pigs were killed and their colon tissue was used for laboratory testing.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Assessing pigs as digestion models for humans

Titanium tubes were implanted into pigs’ intestines. Digested food was collected through the tube for 9 hours.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Harvesting eyes for lab tests

The eyes of pigs and rabbits killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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%.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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).

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves

Lambs and calves were infected with worm eggs to see if parasites from cattle can infect sheep.

Publication Link

Using sheep to try and model how well humans will heal after dental surgery

Sheep had healthy teeth pulled out and the sockets treated in different ways to compare how well the body will heal after a tooth is removed when left untreated vs using a bone graft.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Testing the potency of pneumonia vaccines for sheep

Lambs were vaccinated twice and regular blood samples were taken for 34 weeks, to test different pneumonia vaccines for sheep.

Publication Link

Testing the effects and wash-out of painkillers

Lambs were treated with different painkillers or no painkillers at all before tail docking and castration. Their behaviour was monitored.

Publication Link

Developing “hyperimmune” milk

Sheep were injected with Covid-19 vaccines to see if they produced milk that could be marketed to consumers as providing immunity against certain diseases.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Studying methane emission and meat quality

Lambs were tested and killed to assess the relationship between methane emissions, carcass weight and meat quality. Almost 2,000 were put through emission measurements. Over 17,000 were slaughtered.

Publication Link

Studying the effect of chemicals in normal and high blood pressure

Sheep were surgically fitted with a clip around an artery and compared with others without clips. Measuring devices were added before injecting different chemicals into the hearts of the conscious sheep.

Publication Link

Comparing success of muscle repair surgery with or without weeks of delay

Sheep were anaesthetised and one side of a pelvis muscle was detached. After several weeks, the muscle was repaired. How well the sheep then walked was noted before all were killed.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Questioning vets on pain management

Veterinarians completed a questionnaire regarding pain and pain management in rabbits and guinea pigs.

Publication Link

Testing immunity assays for RHD virus

Wild-caught rabbits were injected with Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). All that did not die were killed.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Testing retention time of eye medication

NZ White rabbits were restrained, and medication was put into their eyes. The reaction was recorded.

Publication Link

Harvesting rabbit and rat hearts for lab tests

NZ White rabbits and rats were killed to use their hearts in lab tests.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

Studying rabbit eyes to learn about human glaucoma

Dutch black-belted rabbits were anaesthetised and killed. Their eyes were removed and studied.

Publication Link

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.

Publication Link

With your help we can end animal experimentation in Aotearoa.