Rats and mice are often the animals of choice to try and model human conditions, treatment and body functions - even though we know that the use of animals to try and model people fails over 90% of the time.
Mice and rats are commonly used due to their small size, low maintenance (i.e., they are easy to house and care for), short life cycle, and ability to breed quickly (allowing large numbers to be generated for studies quickly).
They also share many of our genes.1 But that's not surprising, even cats share many of our genes.2
Mice are also relatively easy targets for genetic manipulation, which is heavily used in cancer research.3 So it is not surprising, that over 95% of transgenic animals used in 2020 were mice (14,936 transgenic mice of 15,645 transgenic animals).4 Their small size also makes importing mice from other countries manageable.
Mice are mainly used for basic biological research, medical research, animal husbandry and testing in NZ. They are also used for veterinary research and the production of biological agents.
Mice in NZ have been used for:
- Drug research including safety and efficiency testing.
- For teaching purposes in schools, including observational activities and dissections.
- Disease research including research into the development of severe diseases (i.e., stroke, heart attack, cancer), modelling neurological disorders (i.e., Schizophrenia, Autism), modelling mood disorders (i.e., anxiety, and depression).
- Drug addiction research including research into the development and suppression of addictions and the impacts of drug use.
- Basic biological research into how parts of the brain work, damage affects the functions of the body, pregnancy changes body functions, wounds heal and how stress affects body and brain functions.
Places that use mice for science in NZ include crown research institutes, private companies and universities. Infact, most universities have their own breeding colonies. Otago University states on its website that they have a dedicated mouse testing room in the Behavioural Phenotyping Unit.5
Mice used for science in NZ are often sourced from breeding units at the respective institutions. Transgenic mice are sometimes imported from other countries like Australia, USA or Japan.
Discover real-life examples of how mice 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Testing mastitis treatments
Dairy cows with an udder infection were treated with different antibiotic injections. Milk samples were taken to monitor results.
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.
Testing if blackcurrant extract is toxic for dogs
Dogs are given blackcurrant pills for several days. The number of pills increases over time up to 60 tablets. Their health is monitored.
Practising first aid on working dogs
The 2-day course involved training students with mannequins, placing an IV catheter in the handler's dogs (dogs were lightly sedated), a live demo and practical exercises on anaesthetised sheep that would killed afterwards.
Testing intermittent fasting
Dogs will be fed three different ways for one week each. A high carb diet twice a day, a high carb diet every two days, and a high fat, low carb diet every two days. Each dog will have 12 blood samples taken throughout the study.
Testing the fitness level of police dogs
Police dogs are fitted with a catheter for a whole week and get infused with a marker solution. They are fitted with an activity measuring collar and regularly have blood sampled.
Testing how sensitive some dog breeds are to pain
Dogs were tested for their pain threshold by having a disk the size of a coin placed onto one of their forelegs. This disc could be heated up remotely. Several tests with 10-minute breaks in-between were performed, where the disk temperature was raised until the dog showed signs of pain. Almost half the dogs showed burn marks after testing.
Testing what dogs prefer to eat
Dogs are fed three different diets (either high fat, high carb, or high protein) over 28 days once a day. The dogs are offered each of the three diets at once and in high quantities. Regular stool samples are taken. Blood samples are taken from dogs that have been fasted (18 hours with no food).
Studying how long morphine affects dogs
Dogs scheduled to have ovaries and uterus removed at a teaching clinic are used. Premedication, including morphine, is given 45min before the surgery. Dogs are fasted for 12 hours and water is withheld for about 1 hour before surgery. Blood samples are taken regularly for 4 hours.
Studying the influence of diet on working farm dogs
Dogs working on farms are fed either a premium diet or a standard "home-kill plus tux" diet. All dogs have a collar to measure activity. Body weight, condition, and blood samples are recorded regularly for a year.
Testing a new biomarker
For regular blood samples over nine weeks, dogs are fasted overnight at the lab and returned to their owners the next day until the following sampling.
Studying if farm dogs are overworked
A glucose sensor is stuck between the dog's shoulder blades and sutured in place before a bandage is stapled over it. After being fasted, each dog is studied on glucose levels and activity for two days.
Testing different methods for skin sampling
Samples from the skin of dogs are taken in different ways: plucking hair with the roots, sellotape strips pressed down and ripped off several times, acetone-soaked cotton buds and solvent washes.
Testing nausea in dogs with different anaesthesia
Dogs who are about to have surgery are given different combinations of anti-nausea drugs to test the effects.
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.
Learning when anaesthesia is lethal
The anaesthesia of pound dogs was gradually increased to dangerous levels. Students also practised taking blood samples, placing catheters and giving blood transfusions to the dogs, all while a teacher supervised.
Testing a gene therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis
Newborn puppies are genotyped and divided into treatment groups. Some are left untreated. Some are injected with potential medication. The injection is into the neck vein or into the liver vein. For that, puppies are anaesthetised, have their belly cut open and the drug injected into the liver vein. All puppies are killed after regular blood and one spinal fluid sample.
Refining treatment for a (human) genetic disorder
Puppies with the genetic disorder MPS IIIA were treated with enzymes injected directly into the spinal fluid near the brain. Treatment was done until 22 -24 weeks old and varied in dose and frequency. In the end, the puppies were killed for dissection.
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.
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.
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.
Testing if anaesthesia affects the sleep–wake cycle
Mice were kept on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and then switched to total darkness. They were anaesthetised twice to see the effect on their activity cycles, and all were killed in the end.
Testing the influences on growth
Transgenic and "normal" mice were kept in small groups and killed at different ages. Fat and muscle tissue were dissected, and the hearts were taken.
Testing a new way to kill lab mice
Mice were fed cream cheese containing different amounts of a sedative. Behaviour was recorded during the sedation period and while gassing them with CO2.
Testing a possible cause for cataracts
Transgenic and "normal" mice were used to study the development of cataracts. They were anaesthetised, images of their eyes were taken, and then they were (likely all) killed.
Studying chronic stress
Mice were handled daily, had vaginal smears, and some were subject to the notorious Forced Swim Test. Half of them were additionally stressed daily in various ways to see the difference it makes.
Trialling cancer drugs in mice after similar drug failed in humans
Mice were force-fed daily with two new drugs in different dosages. Others were force-fed a control solution, and some were left untreated. In the end, the animals were killed with CO2 and dissected.
Testing if exercise influences treatment success with cancer
Mice were injected with cancer cells. When tumours reached an “ethical” limit, they were injected with a labelling agent, anaesthetised and killed to be dissected. This was repeated, while some mice received cancer treatment.
Testing if exercise influences muscle mass with cancer
Mice were injected with cancer cells, and some received immunotherapy once the tumour reached a specific size. When tumours reached an “ethical” limit, they were killed. Cancer-free control mice were killed simultaneously.
Studying the interaction of hormones and stress
Transgenic mice had their brains injected, some had their ovaries removed, and some were restrained for repeated blood samples. In the end, all mice were killed.
Studying movement processing in the brain
Transgenic mice were put through behavioural tests while half of them had a part of their brain-damaged. Some mice had a window put into their skull to take recordings of their brains while awake. They had limited access to water and were forced into a device that stopped them from moving their head. In the end, all were killed.
Testing seizure activity in transgenic mice
Mice with specific genetic limitations were bred. Some were killed for dissection, and others were injected with a gene activation drug before they were killed.
Testing a seizure treatment
Genetically modified mice had wires and a cannula implanted in their brains, and were injected to cause seizures. The next day, their genetic mutation was activated. The test was repeated before they were all killed.
Observing cancer growth with/without treatment
Mice were injected with human breast cancer cells. The growth was monitored and sampled (biopsy). Some were operated on to remove their ovaries and some were treated with drugs before all were killed.
Testing how hormones influence activity while pregnant
Transgenic and “normal” mice were used to test the influence of pregnancy and hormones on activity and anxiety. They were kept in single cages with running wheels and subjected to behavioural tests. The transgenic mice were killed in the end.
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.
Testing out cloning as a breeding tool
Cloned embryos were implanted into 17 mother sheep but all the pregnancies failed.
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.
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.
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.
Studying the effect of Huntington’s disease on ageing
Transgenic sheep were produced through breeding, and blood samples were taken.
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.
Studying ear posture while in pain
Lambs had their tails docked with a tight rubber band without pain relief. Their pain behaviour was recorded.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Training students in surgical procedures
Pigs and sheep were used for training future surgeons.
Teaching students surgical techniques
Sheep and pigs were used and killed in teaching students.
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.
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.
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.
Testing a new vaccine
NZ White rabbits were injected with a new vaccine type several times before being killed.
Harvesting eyes for lab tests
The eyes of pigs and rabbits killed for experiments were used to analyse the structure of the cornea.
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).
Using a new imaging technology
One NZ White rabbit and rats were killed, and their eyes were removed to use for the study.
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.
Mapping wave patterns of the small intestine
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, their intestines were used for electrode mapping, and then they were killed.
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.
Harvesting rabbit colons for lab tests
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, a part of their intestine was cut out, and then they were killed.
Harvesting rabbit bladders for lab tests
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, their bladder was cut out, and then they were killed.
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.
Using muscles of dead rabbits for imaging
Two NZ White rabbits were killed to use for detailed muscle imaging.
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.
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.