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!
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.
Collecting faeces for lab tests
Colony cats were fed different diets for three weeks before their faeces was collected for analyses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sampling cats for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from almost 200 cats at 15 veterinary clinics.
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.
Monitoring wild cats for a year
Wild cats are trapped and fitted with GPS collars. After one year, they are recaptured and killed.
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.
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.
Monitoring outdoor cat behaviour
Privately owned cats with outdoor access were fitted with camera and GPS collars for up to three days.
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.
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.
Analysing Greyhound race injury statistics
Historical data on Greyhound races between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. Injuries and deaths were investigated.
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.
Investigating farm dogs for four years
Working farms dogs were examined regularly for four years. Health problems and fate were recorded.
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.
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.
Analysing dog movements
Colony dogs were prepared with reflective markers and an activity collar. Their movements on a treadmill at various speeds were recorded.
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.
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.
Teaching dogs to smell out catfish
Five pet dogs were trained over several months to identify catfish and goldfish smell in water samples.
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.
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.
Teaching dogs to smell out koi carps (2019)
Three pet dogs were trained over several months to identify koi carb smell in water samples.
Testing working dogs for internal parasites
Faeces and blood samples were taken from working farm dogs.
Testing fluid management of dogs during anaesthesia
Dogs were anaesthetised. Their heart activity was measured while hey were injected with calculated amounts of fluid.
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.
Surveying respiratory disease in racing Greyhounds
Laboratories sent in serum samples of dogs for analysis. Additionally, 17 racing Greyhounds were tested.
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.
Questioning vets on pain management
Veterinarians completed a questionnaire regarding pain and pain management in rabbits and guinea pigs.
Testing nerve reactions to electric stimulation
Young guinea pigs were bled to death. Specific nerves were removed and experimented on.
Studying short-sightedness
Guinea pigs had one eye covered for two weeks before increasing their eye pressure surgically and kill them.
Measuring nerve reactions to gases
Guinea pigs were anaesthetised, and their windpipe and blood vessels were cannulated. They were exposed to different gases and cyanide while measuring breathing and nerve activity.
Studying how anaesthesia affects breathing and heart
Guinea pigs were put in airtight chambers to test the effects of low oxygen. Some were surgically fitted with tubing so blood samples could be taken during the tests. In the end, all were killed.
Studying compensation after inner ear destruction
Guinea pigs were anaesthetised, and their inner ear was destroyed with a drill. Videos were made for over two days of their balance recovery.
Killing pregnant guinea pigs for tissue cultures
Pregnant guinea pigs were anaesthetised at specific time points of their pregnancy, including during labour, to then remove the uterus for tissue culture experiments.
Testing how oxytocin injections cause contractions
Pregnant guinea pigs were surgically implanted with electrodes on or near the uterus. They were injected with oxytocin in specific doses and timeframes, and the effects were measured.
Harvesting testicles for studies
Male guinea pigs were killed with CO2 to remove their testicles for experiments.
Testing a new tuberculosis vaccine
A new tuberculosis vaccine was tested by injecting guinea pigs with the bacteria, either with or without prior vaccination. After several weeks, all were killed.
Testing how heart calcium metabolism is different in species
Guinea pigs and rats were decapitated, and their hearts were quickly removed to study them.
Testing influences on the rate of a dissected heart
Albino guinea pigs were anaesthetised and dissected before they were killed.
Confirming the correlation of energy storage and stress in the inner ear fluid
Guinea pigs were anaesthetised and artificially ventilated. Ear fluid samples were taken through a hole in the skull, while exposing them to noise or lack of oxygen.
Comparing natural and genetically altered tuberculosis strains
Guinea pigs were infected with tuberculosis strains after being injected with bacterial proteins beforehand. In the end, all guinea pigs were killed and dissected.
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.
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
Sheep were bred for high and low methane emissions. 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. Two sheep were killed when induction did not work. The lambs survived only minutes.
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.
Testing efficiency of strip-sowing 1080 bait
The toxin ‘1080’ was distributed as complete coverage and in a strip pattern. Effects on the wild rabbit numbers were evaluated.
Testing new formulations of eye medication
The eyes of albino rabbits were treated with different medications. At regular intervals, several of them were killed.
Taking blood samples over several days
Two New Zealand white rabbits were anaesthetised and restrained. Catheters were put into their ear veins to inject a solution and take regular blood samples.
Harvesting rabbit caecum for more lab tests
Domestic dwarf rabbits were anaesthetised, their caecum was cut out, and then they were killed.
Using rabbits as a model for human atherosclerosis
NZ White rabbits were fed pellets with or without added cholesterol for 10 weeks. They were killed with anaesthetic and taking blood from their heart until it stopped.
Testing new drug formulations
NZ White rabbits were given a new drug formulation or ketamine. Righting reflex, paw withdrawal, and blood parameters were checked every minute.
Infecting rabbits with a virus to have more samples of it
Samples of dead wild rabbits were taken to collect virus material. The virus was then used to infect rabbits and analyse their tissue.
Injuring the sinus tract to test medication
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and the sinus tracts in their nose were purposely injured to the bone. Two weeks after treatment, they were killed.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Testing new drug formulations
Rats and rabbits were injected with a new anaesthetic, pinching their paw repeatedly to measure reflexes. Rats were giving the medication until they died.
Testing the behaviour of a drug in rabbits’ blood
NZ White rabbits were infused with different medications, and blood samples were taken regularly for 24 hours.
Testing a new drug delivery formulation
NZ White rabbits were injected with a radioactive solution, wrapped tightly, and recorded this way for 90min.
Placing metal into rabbits’ jaws
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and metal spheres were placed into their jaws. X-rays were taken to measure bone growth.
Using rabbits as glaucoma surgery model
The eyes of NZ White rabbits were surgically opened and treated with different solutions. At intervals, some were killed to analyse the eye tissue.
Monitoring vital signs of rabbits during intercourse
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised and implanted with devices to measure vital signs. They were then monitored during intercourse.
Harvesting rabbit caecum for lab tests
Domesticated rabbits were anaesthetised. Part of their digestive tract was removed, and then they were killed.