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.
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 motherly instinct towards foster pups
Mice of different “status” (never pregnant, pregnant, new mums) were made to rescue foster pups they didn’t know from several places. Transgenic mice lacking a prolactin brain receptor were tested for anxiety behaviour in the standard elevated-plus-maze.
Testing new cancer vaccines
Mice were injected with cancer cells, followed by one of several potential vaccines. They were killed when tumours reached a certain size, or it became otherwise inhumane to keep them alive.
Testing if pregnancy affects the healing of teeth
Pregnant and non-pregnant mice were taken. After the pregnant ones gave birth, all mice were anaesthetised. Some of their teeth were forcefully moved. Two weeks later, all were killed.
Testing the effect of obesity during pregnancy
Pregnant mice were fed high-fat diets and had their babies removed via caesarean section. The foetuses were decapitated. Other newborn mice were separated to record their calls.
Testing how motherly mice are
Transgenic mice were compared to “normal” mice on rescuing pups and how they care for their babies. They were mated, gave birth, and then put through behavioural tests involving newborn mice. After a few weeks, they 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).
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Testing the viability of xenotransplantation using islet capsules
Newborn piglets were killed for their pancreas. Encapsulated pancreas cells were then implanted into young mice, who were killed later to retrieve the capsules.
Studying the digestion of kiwifruit
Pigs were surgically fitted with an outside access to their intestine. Faeces were collected through anal stimulation, and samples were taken from the intestine for six-hour periods.
Testing feed supplements for their performance
Pigs were fed diets with different organic acids added. At a specific weight, they were slaughtered to collect samples.
Comparing the digestion of egg white in different forms
Pigs were acclimated to eating egg whites of different textures. After being deprived of water for two hours, they were fed again and then killed in intervals over six hours.
Testing ways of injecting nicotine
Pigs were anaesthetised and injected with nicotine through different methods. Blood samples were taken for two hours before the pigs were killed.
Measuring brain response to tail-docking
Piglets were bought at one to fifteen days old and anaesthetised. Their tails were cut off while measuring brain activity, and then they were killed.
Testing how cooking affects beef digestion
Pigs were fed ground beef for three days, either raw or cooked. They were then killed to cut out a part of their intestine.
Trialling a method to measure intestine fermentation
Young pigs were fed a test diet for two weeks while confined in metabolic chambers. After that, they were killed with an anaesthetic injected into the heart.
Testing how to gas piglets
Piglets were gassed plastic box to record their behaviour and vital signs.
Testing the accuracy of heart activity measurements
Pigs were anaesthetised, their open chests were equipped with electrodes and closed again. After measurements, the hearts were stopped, images were taken, and the hearts were removed.
Testing cholesterol absorption from baby formula
One-week-old piglets were kept in metabolic crates and fed baby formula for three weeks. They were then anaesthetised and killed to be dissected.
Studying the digestion of protein through serial slaughter
Ninety young pigs were housed individually for 13 days; their diet contained kiwi fruit and beef. All were killed to be dissected.
Studying the inner functions of the heart
Pigs were anaesthetised and their chests were cut open. Electrodes were inserted into their hearts so measurements could be taken before their hearts were removed.
Testing the effect of pain killers during tail docking
Piglets were anaesthetised and their tails were removed using different methods. During these procedures, the heart and brain activity of the pigs were measured.
Testing if pigs spread kauri tree sickness
A group of pigs was fed infected kauri roots for one day, and their faeces were collected for a week. Over 270 wild pigs were shot, and their stomach contents was sampled.
Trialing xenotransplantation for diabetes
Four pigs were used to harvest cells for transplantation into humans.
Studying sow and piglet behaviour in crates and pens
Sows and their newborn piglets were put in tightly confined crates or pens with slightly more room and their behaviour was observed.
Studying how ageing affects brain chemistry
Rats were kept in germ-free, individual cages before being killed. Their brains were used for tests.
Studying teen binge drinking
Young rats were force-fed alcohol repeatedly. Each time, blood samples were taken, and some were killed to take their brains after each alcohol day. The remaining rats were put through behavioural tests a few months later.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Testing medications for drug addiction
Rats were taught to inject themselves with cocaine when they pressed a lever. Through many cycles of establishment and withdrawal, medications were tested for their effect on drug-seeking behaviour. Other rats were tested for their activity level on cocaine with or without medication. Some were put into water-filled cylinders to examine if medication influences how long they swim.
Testing effects of meth on brain protein
Rats were taught to inject themselves with meth or a saline solution when they pressed a lever. After 20 days, there were two weeks of abstinence. In the end, all were killed to dissect their brains.
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 blood pressure drugs against seizures
Rats were implanted with devices to measure heart and brain activity through induced seizures without being anaesthetised. They were killed two days later, and their hearts were taken.
Studying the effect of prolactin on the brain
Virgin rats and rats who recently gave birth had a cannula (tube) placed in their brain and were injected with medication. They were injected with prolactin after two days and killed an hour later to dissect their brains.
Testing a surgical treatment for hypertension with diabetes
Transgenic rats were injected to develop diabetes. Their kidney nerves were surgically destroyed. They were restrained for measurements and sampling regularly. In the end, they were all killed.
Testing a new pain medication
Rats were operated on to cause pain build-up in their hind leg. After 10 days, they were injected with different variations of a drug or just a control solution. The effect was tested by poking their hurting leg and having them balance.
Trying to study depressants and antidepressants
Rats were kept isolated or in groups for nine weeks. They were injected with different drugs and put through behavioural tests (the notorious Forced Swim Test, among others). In the end, all were killed.
Studying how anaesthetics affect intestine movement
Guinea pigs and rats were anaesthetised, then dissected, and then killed, in that order.
Studying hormone sensitivity of the brain
Female rats were mated, gave birth and cared for their babies for three weeks. They had prolactin injected below the skull. They were killed, and their brains were removed.
Harvesting rabbit and rat hearts for lab tests
NZ White rabbits and rats were killed to use their hearts in lab tests.
Testing digestion of a pig food
Rats were fed a pig food and killed to examine their intestines.
Testing how heart calcium metabolism is different in species
Guinea pigs and rats were decapitated, and their hearts were quickly removed to study them.
Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves
Lambs and calves were treated against parasites and then infected with worm eggs. Infection status was monitored. This was repeated several times before all sheep were killed.
Using sheep to try and model how well humans will heal after dental surgery
Sheep were anaesthetised, three teeth were pulled, and the sockets were treated differently. For months, regular samples were taken from the healing wounds before all sheep were killed.
Preclinical testing of a gene therapy for Batten disease
Sheep with and without a specific gene mutation were checked and scanned regularly for nine months. Affected sheep received gene therapy at different ages. Treated sheep were killed.
Testing if blocking a cell signal can prevent foetal brain injury
Pregnant sheep were anaesthetised, and the foetuses fitted with electrodes. The umbilical cord was blocked for most of them, and half were treated with a test drug. Mothers and unborn lambs were killed three weeks later.
Testing the combination of drugs for congestive heart failure treatment
Sheep were anaesthetised and subjected to surgery. Electrodes were used to pace their hearts faster while testing the effect of different drugs.
Testing the best way to deliver gene therapy drugs
Sheep were anaesthetised. Their heads were drilled into, and their brains injected with test drugs. They were killed after three weeks.
Testing the potency of pneumonia vaccines for sheep
Lambs were vaccinated twice, and regular blood samples were taken for 34 weeks.
Testing the effects and wash-out of painkillers
Lambs were treated with different painkillers or not at all before tail docking and castration. Their behaviour was monitored.
Developing “hyperimmune” milk
Sheep were injected with Covid-19 vaccines, and regular blood samples were taken. Some were mated and gave birth to sample their milk, too.
Studying the genetics of Batten disease on chimeric lambs
Sheep foetuses were removed. After swapping cells between them, they were inserted into other ewes. Lambs born were subjected to X-rays and, at one to three years old, were bled out for dissection.
Testing pacemaker adjustments
After causing them heart failure, sheep were surgically fitted with pacemakers and measurement devices. Those who survived the procedures were killed after six months.
Studying methane emission and meat quality
Sheep were bred for high and low methane emissions. Almost 2,000 were put through emission measurements. Over 17,000 were slaughtered.
Studying the effect of chemicals in normal and high blood pressure
Sheep were surgically fitted with a clip around an artery, or they served as control. Measuring devices were added before injecting different chemicals into the hearts of the conscious sheep.
Comparing muscle repair success with and without weeks of delay
Ewes were anaesthetised, and one side of a pelvis muscle was detached. After several weeks, the muscle was repaired. Gait was evaluated before all were killed.
Comparing different designs of dental implants
Sheep were anaesthetised. One leg bone was exposed and fitted with several implants. After 12 weeks, all were killed.
Trying to model human brain injuries
To study changes in different areas of the brain after brain injuries. Sheep were used to study the effects of traumatic brain injuries in humans.
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.
