Rabbits are gentle, docile animals that are used in experiments because they breed easily and quickly. Sadly, they also provide a larger amount of sample material per animal than rats or mice.
They are used as bioreactors for antibody production1 and have been the standard animal to test skin and eye irritation of cosmetics and other products.
A well-known rabbit-based test used internationally is the Draize Test, an animal test that is used to try and assess if a substance will cause any eye or skin irritancy in humans by measuring the side effects on animals, normally albino rabbits. This test was developed in the 1940s and is less accurate than animal-free methods.2,3 In the past, we ran a campaign to remove this requirement for the Draize test from NZ law!
Rabbits are also used in medical research to try and model human health conditions to investigate mechanisms and test medications.4
Rabbits are the main animals used for testing chemicals and the production of biological agents (i.e., antibodies) in NZ. Antibodies are a type of cell within the immune system of the body. Many laboratory techniques use antibodies for a range of different tests, for example, biological quality control and toxicity testing. The use of animal-derived antibodies is increasingly questioned, with animal-free antibodies being recommended by the EU Joint Research Centre5.
While many animals are still alive at the end of being used for science, the percentage of rabbits who died or were killed after being used for science has never been below 85% in the last decade.6
Rabbits in NZ have been used for:
- The production of antibodies for laboratory use.
- Drug research, including safety testing.
- Teaching purposes in schools, including for observation and dissection.
- Conservation research, because they are an unwanted species. For example, in 2021, 55,000 rabbits were used in a trial to assess the impact of an experimental formulation containing 1080 in carrot baits.
- Medical research, including for testing surgical procedures and imaging equipment. Rabbits are also used to try and model human conditions (i.e., glaucoma, heart failure and sinusitis).
- Basic biological research into how vital signs change during intercourse, bones grow and the digestive tract moves.
Places that use rabbits for science in NZ include private companies, universities, and polytechnics.
Rabbits used for science in NZ are sourced from breeding units, farms, the wild (captured), commercial sources and other public sources.*
*According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, public sources include: Public donations, animals obtained from a pound, a pet shop or other public sources. This includes companion animals who are used for the duration of the exercise (e.g. veterinary nurse training).
Discover real-life examples of how rabbits have been used in NZ below!
Testing a new papillomavirus vaccine
Adult colony cats were injected with a new vaccine or a control solution. Regular skin swabs and blood samples were taken.
Testing the effect of dietary fibre in cat food
Cats received three diets for three weeks each. Food intake was measured daily, and urine and faeces were collected for the last 5 days each time.
Determining how common E. coli is in pets
Rectal swaps were taken from cats and dogs presented at veterinary clinics, and their caregivers filled out a questionnaire.
Tracking and killing wild cats
Wild-caught cats were used to train sedation and collar fitting before being killed. Another group of cats was fitted with GPS collars for one year before being tracked down and shot.
Scoring the body condition of colony cats
The body condition score of 101 cats was determined, adding to routinely collected body weight data from the breeding colony.
Testing new toxin at Ngatapa Station
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Testing a possum poison for other animals’ safety
Dogs, chickens and wild-caught cats were fed dead possum. Once they got used to eating this, they were fed possums killed with sodium nitrite, and signs for poisoning were monitored.
Testing nutritional value of new pet food
Cats and dogs were fed a test diet exclusively for several months. Some adults are kept in metabolic chambers for 10 days, and blood samples are taken at the end.
Testing new toxin at Toronui Station
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Surveying caregivers on their cats’ personality
Cat caregivers in Australia and New Zealand filled in an online survey about their cats’ personality traits.
Training staff in wild cat handling
Wild cats are trapped and used to train staff in handling, sedation and collar fitting before they are killed.
Sampling cats’ saliva for feline autoimmune disease
Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from all cats in three British Shorthair breeding catteries.
Measuring vitamins in blood samples
Blood samples were taken from colony cats of different ages.
Collecting blood plasma for tests
Colony cats are switched from wet food to dry food for two days. Blood samples are taken before and after.
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.
Testing pain medication with lasers
Colony cats were put into small chambers, and a laser was pointed at a shaved skin patch. The influence of medication on their reaction time was measured.
Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves
Lambs and calves were infected with worm eggs to see if parasites from cattle can infect sheep.
Testing a fertility treatment
Cows with fertility problems were treated with hormones for ten days or left untreated. All were then artificially inseminated.
Testing a supplement for more calcium intake
Pregnant cows were fed with or without a specific feed additive. After birth, all were fed the same diet. Blood samples were taken in the weeks around birth.
Checking endometritis rates in dairy herds
Some cows in several dairy herds were selected, and their vaginal discharge was measured and sampled. They were then impregnated as per standard agricultural practice.
Comparing weight gain with different diets
Newborn calves were raised on various milk, pasture, and pellets combinations. They were slaughtered at two years old, and their “quality” was measured.
Testing pain meds for disbudding
The horn buds of young calves who were slightly sedated were burned off with a hot iron. Half of them received pain meds beforehand, and blood samples were taken before and after. After 24 hours, the second group received pain meds, too.
Studying Ikeda infection and treatment
Regular blood samples were taken from cows on three different farms. Only some were treated against the parasite. Milk production and fertility were recorded.
Studying diarrhea infection
New mother cows had blood samples taken. If the sample was negative for a diarrhoea virus, they were sampled again after a while.
Studying genes for body size
Udders of dairy cows were slightly cut with a scalpel, and a tissue sample was taken with a biopsy needle.
Testing toxicity of a potential new fertiliser
Pigs were fed toxic bait and monitored until they died.
Studying stress around birth
Blood samples were taken from cows with a high or low risk of health concerns after birth.
Studying genetics of a missing tail
Cloned foetuses were implanted into female cattle to research taillessness. Some of them were killed during pregnancy to examine the foetuses. One tailless animal was killed at age 4, and one of the cloned calves died after birth.
Studying Ikeda (parasite) infection
Blood samples were taken from dairy cows and their calves directly after birth before separating them. After four months, the calves were sampled again.
Studying Osteoporosis in cows
Young female cattle who had given birth for the first time were sent to slaughter. Half of them had broken bones for between 2 and 10 days. Blood samples were taken before slaughter, and bones were collected after.
Testing a tuberculosis vaccine
Male calves were infected with bacteria. Two groups were vaccinated before or after the infection, and the third group was left untreated. All were killed and dissected 13 weeks later.
Testing feeding plans for better immunity after calving
Pregnant cows were fed either a bit too much or a bit too little. Blood samples were taken before, at, and after calving. Researchers also took liver samples with a 20-cm biopsy needle and vaginal samples with a small brush and a scoop at these dates, except for the date of birth.
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.
Using fish to study the impacts of Climate Change
Fish were either bought or caught and killed so that they could be dissected.
Overfeeding Zebrafish to learn about obesity
Normal and transgenic zebrafish were fed normally or way too much. The fish were taken out of the water for glucose tests and blood samples.
Studying gut bacteria in fish
Nine fish were caught by underwater spearing and killed so that samples could be collected from their digestion tracts.
Studying the sleep of sharks
Sharks were caught and kept in outside tanks. For the experiments, they weren't fed for at least 4 days, of which they spent 3 days in a measuring chamber not much bigger than the shark. Oxygen consumption and behaviour were continuously recorded for the last 24 hours.
Infecting fish larvae as a potential model for humans
Zebrafish larvae were injected with bacteria to test how their immune system responds. This was repeated to test how well the immune system reacted and how long the effect lasts.
Finding a “growth gene” in snappers
Snappers were caught from the wild and bred. Around eighty-thousand of their offspring were hatched and raised. At regular “grading” events, injured and deformed fish were disposed of. At just under a year old, around twenty-two-thousand were left and transported to a sea pen, where they were raised to 17.5 months old before harvesting.
Testing how much fat you can feed fish
Fish in aquaculture were divided into groups and fed diets with different fat content. Fish were anaesthetised and faeces samples squeezed out of them.
Testing fish for mercury contamination
Wild fish were caught, measured and frozen to be analysed.
Measuring how stress affects fish
Fish were exposed to chronic stress for four weeks, while 57 non-stressed animals were kept as a control. Signs of stress were noted. At the end of the experiment, all were chilled to death.
Exposing fish to herbicides
Zebrafish were kept in tanks that were contaminated with different herbicide concentrations for 10 days. They were then mated to herbicide-exposed or control fish. Both generations were tested on behavioural changes at around 4 months of age. 24 fish per treatment were killed and dissected.
Testing supplements as protection from toxins in over 1,000 fish embryos
Embryos were harvested and kept in Petri dishes for toxicity and treatment tests. Embryos were treated with an antioxidant, a gold salt or both on the first day, and abnormal development was measured on day 5.
Studying effects of drying rivers on mudfish
Water depth and quality were measured at 24 different sites. Several traps for fish and invertebrates were set at 8 visits, sampling and mostly killing the caught animals (including 15 individuals of the endangered Kōwaro).
Studying bacterial spread in fish larvae
Bacteria were genetically modified and made fluorescent. Zebrafish were bred, and their larvae were infected with the bacteria. The fish were killed for analyses or used for live imaging under a microscope (and then killed, most likely).
Investigating effects of invasive fish removal
Using fyke nets and electrofishing, fish were caught on four occasions. Fish were marked with fin clippings around one big removal event where 3 tonnes of fish were caught. In recaptures a week after each marking event, invasive fish caught were killed after the examination.
Studying fish life cycles
Fish were sedated and their blood and ovarian tissue were sampled three times.
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.
Researching scoliosis genes
Transgenic mice with a specific gene defect were mated. Pregnant mice were at several time points. The unborn babies were taken, skinned, and gutted to stain their skeletons for better pictures.
Studying hormone influences on obesity and fertility
Transgenic mice were bred to have diabetes symptoms. Together with control mice, they were fed a normal or a high caloric diet and compared for their fertility over 150 days.
Testing a new stroke treatment
Mice were squeezed into plastic cones, and test drugs were dripped on their nose. An artificial stroke was caused by injecting a chemical into their brain. Before and after, mice had to perform behavioural tests. All were then killed to take their brains.
Testing another new stroke treatment
Mice were operated on several times. They were made to experience an artificial stroke, were later injected with a possible treatment, and then were injected with a marker. The mice had their memory tested before they were killed.
Testing prostate cancer drugs
Mice were anaesthetised, and their prostate was injected with cancer cells or a control solution. A 42-day treatment course started three weeks later with different treatment drugs and control solutions. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing a heart attack treatment
Mice were trained to eat jelly and then subjected to an artificial heart attack. They received either a new drug or a control substance. Regular heart ultrasounds were performed before they were killed and dissected.
Studying ovary problems caused by testosterone
Transgenic mice were implanted with a capsule containing either hormones or not. Vaginal smears were done for several weeks, and serial blood tests were performed twice. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing an Autism treatment on transgenic mice
Mice were genetically modified to show "autism-like" symptoms. Together with control animals, they were either fed normally or with a high-zinc diet. Invasive behavioural tests were performed. At least some, likely all, were killed.
Comparing transgenic mice and humans
Mice were anaesthetised, and their body composition was measured several times. Their grip strength and balance were tested with lab equipment. In the end, all mice were killed.
Testing a new stroke drug for better dexterity
Transgenic mice were anaesthetised, and an artificial stroke was caused. They then received either a test drug or a control solution. After recovery, their food was limited to test their fine motor skills every other week. After two months, they were killed.
Testing migraine drugs
Mice were injected with potential migraine drugs and anaesthetised. Ultrasound imaging of their ears was taken. One ear was rubbed with capsaicin to record the increased blood flow and compare different drugs, doses, and time points.
Killing rats and mice for tissue
Rats and mice were anaesthetised, and their necks were broken. Their tissue was then used for research.
Studying Alzheimer’s and stroke symptoms
One group of transgenic mice were bred and killed at either four or 12 months of age by flushing their hearts. Another group was anaesthetised and caused to have a stroke. They were killed the same way.
Testing Alzheimer’s treatment on mice
Transgenic and “normal” mice were injected with a special protein and a chemical to mark new brain cells that may have been produced.
Testing a new Alzheimer’s drug
Newborn mice were killed to collect brain tissue. Adult mice were used to test drug reactions. They were anaesthetised twice; to inject the drugs and to flush their hearts and take their brains.
Testing if anaesthesia affects the sleep–wake cycle when combined with light treatment
Mice were kept on a 12-hour light/dark cycle and then switched to total darkness. During this time, they were exposed to light once, either with or without anaesthesia. The effect on their activity cycles was monitored. In the end, all were killed.
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 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.
Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves
Lambs and calves were infected with worm eggs to see if parasites from cattle can infect sheep.
Using sheep to try and model how well humans will heal after dental surgery
Sheep had healthy teeth pulled out and the sockets treated in different ways to compare how well the body will heal after a tooth is removed when left untreated vs using a bone graft.
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, to test different pneumonia vaccines for sheep.
Testing the effects and wash-out of painkillers
Lambs were treated with different painkillers or no painkillers at all before tail docking and castration. Their behaviour was monitored.
Developing “hyperimmune” milk
Sheep were injected with Covid-19 vaccines to see if they produced milk that could be marketed to consumers as providing immunity against certain diseases.
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
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.
Studying the effect of chemicals in normal and high blood pressure
Sheep were surgically fitted with a clip around an artery and compared with others without clips. Measuring devices were added before injecting different chemicals into the hearts of the conscious sheep.
Comparing success of muscle repair surgery with or without weeks of delay
Sheep were anaesthetised and one side of a pelvis muscle was detached. After several weeks, the muscle was repaired. How well the sheep then walked was noted before all were killed.
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.
