Chapter 1 - Goals and Objectives for Research Animal Facilities

Abstract

This chapter discusses the goals and objectives for research animal facilities. The goal for any animal research facility is to support research programs that promote the health and wellbeing of people and animals by facilitating high-quality, scientifically sound research on animals. Careful, detailed, upfront planning, encompassing all phases of facility programming, planning, design, construction, and commissioning is required to ensure that the facility functions to effectively support the institution's research goals. Design and construction features along with operational procedure philosophy should meet all applicable codes and regulations. The facility must keep the research animals free of disease, stress, and injury in a safe, comfortable, and wholesome environment. Uninterrupted maintenance of the animal's environment is essential. Maintenance of differential air pressures in containment and barrier facilities is as critical as temperature, relative humidity, and lighting in all animal rooms. Redundancy is required in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Sufficient generator capacity should also be available to maintain normal operation of the animal facility in the event of power outage or breakdown of mechanical systems. Facility maintenance requirements should be minimized for as little disruption of the animal environment as possible.