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!

Testing a new papillomavirus vaccine

Adult colony cats were injected with a new vaccine or a control solution. Regular skin swabs and blood samples were taken.

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Testing the effect of dietary fibre in cat food

Cats received three diets for three weeks each. Food intake was measured daily, and urine and faeces were collected for the last 5 days each time.

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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.

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Tracking and killing wild cats

Wild-caught cats were used to train sedation and collar fitting before being killed. Another group of cats was fitted with GPS collars for one year before being tracked down and shot.

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Scoring the body condition of colony cats

The body condition score of 101 cats was determined, adding to routinely collected body weight data from the breeding colony.

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Testing new toxin at Ngatapa Station

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

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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.

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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.

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Testing new toxin at Toronui Station

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

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Surveying caregivers on their cats’ personality

Cat caregivers in Australia and New Zealand filled in an online survey about their cats’ personality traits.

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Training staff in wild cat handling

Wild cats are trapped and used to train staff in handling, sedation and collar fitting before they are killed.

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Sampling cats’ saliva for feline autoimmune disease

Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from all cats in three British Shorthair breeding catteries.

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Measuring vitamins in blood samples

Blood samples were taken from colony cats of different ages.

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Collecting blood plasma for tests

Colony cats are switched from wet food to dry food for two days. Blood samples are taken before and after.

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Testing a breathing mask on cats and dogs

Cats and dogs were held down tightly and fitted with face masks. Their breathing was measured for a while.

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Testing pain medication with lasers

Colony cats were put into small chambers, and a laser was pointed at a shaved skin patch. The influence of medication on their reaction time was measured.

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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.

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Testing a fertility treatment

Cows with fertility problems were treated with hormones for ten days or left untreated. All were then artificially inseminated.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Testing toxicity of a potential new fertiliser

Pigs were fed toxic bait and monitored until they died.

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Studying stress around birth

Blood samples were taken from cows with a high or low risk of health concerns after birth.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Analysing Greyhound race injury statistics

Historical data on Greyhound races between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. Injuries and deaths were investigated.

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Using bones of euthanised shelter dog

Cadavers of dogs killed at an animal shelter were donated. Holes were drilled into leg bones and fitted with screws.

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Investigating farm dogs for four years

Working farms dogs were examined regularly for four years. Health problems and fate were recorded.

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Transplanting faeces as diarrhoea treatment

A dog with diarrhoea was treated with laxatives and warm water before a faeces sample from a healthy dog was inserted into his colon. Samples were taken before and after.

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Testing the eyes of working dogs

Eye examinations were performed on working sheep dogs. Medication for pupil dilation was given, and faeces samples were taken from most dogs.

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Analysing dog movements

Colony dogs were prepared with reflective markers and an activity collar. Their movements on a treadmill at various speeds were recorded.

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Testing the effect of diet on farm dog performance

Working dogs were fed a diet very high or very low in carbohydrates. Their blood glucose and activity were monitored three times over four days each.

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Testing a parasite treatment

After a pilot study with just one dog, six more were given an experimental parasitic treatment. Regular blood samples were taken through a catheter.

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Teaching dogs to smell out catfish

Five pet dogs were trained over several months to identify catfish and goldfish smell in water samples.

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Testing different combinations of pain meds

Eight dogs are treated with four different combinations of the test drugs in random order with two-week breaks in between. Two catheters are placed in leg veins (for drug injection and blood samples). For the test, dogs are fasted for 12 hours and anaesthetised. EEG is recorded with electrodes near the brain to measure response to electric shocks. Regular blood samples are taken for 8 hours.

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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.

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Teaching dogs to smell out koi carps (2019)

Three pet dogs were trained over several months to identify koi carb smell in water samples.

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Testing working dogs for internal parasites

Faeces and blood samples were taken from working farm dogs.

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Testing fluid management of dogs during anaesthesia

Dogs were anaesthetised. Their heart activity was measured while hey were injected with calculated amounts of fluid.

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Trying to make rat poison unattractive for dogs

Dogs were fasted overnight and then given two food bowls with different kinds of repellent on one of them.

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Surveying respiratory disease in racing Greyhounds

Laboratories sent in serum samples of dogs for analysis. Additionally, 17 racing Greyhounds were tested.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Studying population changes in reef fish

Over 1,000 fish were caught by spearing at three NZ locations.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Testing a seizure medicine for preterm babies

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Teaching animal researchers

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

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Investigating mechanisms slowing down the heart rate

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Studying how anaesthetics affect intestine movement

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Killing rats and mice for tissue

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Harvesting colon tissue for laboratory tests

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Assessing pigs as digestion models for humans

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Harvesting eyes for lab tests

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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%.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Testing out cloning as a breeding tool

Cloned embryos were implanted into 17 mother sheep but all the pregnancies failed.

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Undernourishing sheep to test glucose metabolism of their babies

Sheep were fed normally or only every three days. Some were killed during pregnancy. Born lambs were subjected to repeated glucose tolerance tests and killed.

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Testing a medication for vocal chord injuries

Sheep were anaesthetised, tissue samples were taken from their vocal folds, and most were treated with different medications. All were killed after one month.

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Testing if pre-term birth injections compromise glucose metabolism

Pre-term and full-term lambs were subjected to glucose tests, regular blood samples and a constant glucose infusion. Some were killed at four weeks, the rest at one-year-old.

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Studying the effect of Huntington’s disease on ageing

Transgenic sheep were produced through breeding, and blood samples were taken.

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Testing a first aide drug for severe bleeding

Sheep were anaesthetised and 30% of their blood was drained. After being treated with different medications, the drained blood was returned, and the sheep were killed.

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Studying ear posture while in pain

Lambs had their tails docked with a tight rubber band without pain relief. Their pain behaviour was recorded.

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Teaching animal researchers

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

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Training students in surgical procedures

Pigs and sheep were used for training future surgeons.

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Teaching students surgical techniques

Sheep and pigs were used and killed in teaching students.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Causing sinusitis in rabbits as a model

NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and a sinus tract in their nose was blocked for four weeks to cause sinusitis. After another ten weeks with regular samples, they were killed.

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Testing a new vaccine

NZ White rabbits were injected with a new vaccine type several times before being killed.

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Harvesting eyes for lab tests

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

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Testing the toxicity of some substances

Young NZ White rabbits were force-fed different doses of toxic substances. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after killing them at set time points (or to end their suffering).

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Using a new imaging technology

One NZ White rabbit and rats were killed, and their eyes were removed to use for the study.

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Measuring contractions in exposed rabbit uteruses

Pregnant rabbits were anaesthetised, and their uterus was exposed. Measurements were taken while contraction-inducing injections were given. Then they were all killed for dissection.

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Mapping wave patterns of the small intestine

NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, their intestines were used for electrode mapping, and then they were killed.

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Studying presence of a virus in rabbits

Wild rabbits were shot, caught by dogs or trapped to test them for virus strains. The infectious solution was then fed to NZ White rabbits in a lab to kill them later.

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Harvesting rabbit colons for lab tests

NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, a part of their intestine was cut out, and then they were killed.

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Harvesting rabbit bladders for lab tests

NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, their bladder was cut out, and then they were killed.

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Testing an antimicrobial eye medication

NZ White rabbits were treated with Manuka honey solution in one eye and a control solution in the other eye for five days. Different values like tearing and irritation were measured.

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Using muscles of dead rabbits for imaging

Two NZ White rabbits were killed to use for detailed muscle imaging.

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Measuring jaw bone growth in young rabbits

Young rabbits were anaesthetised and had holes drilled into their jawbones to implant small pieces of metal. X-ray scans were made, and the rabbits were killed.

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Testing the welfare impact of pindone toxin

Three groups of young NZ White Rabbits received pindone-toxin pellets on different schedules. Any rabbit still alive after three weeks was killed.

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