Guiding Principles

MPI-CBG researchers and staff are acutely aware of the great responsibility that comes with animal experimentation in basic biological research. Providing the highest level of animal welfare and care for our laboratory animals is an unconditional commitment of the institute and its staff. We believe all laboratory animals under our care should be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives. We are convinced that good quality science can only be achieved with the highest level of animal welfare. We are committed to the core value of humane care in the use of all animals. The MPI-CBG staff (scientists, technicians, animal caretakers, veterinarians) who are involved with animal care, housing and experiments, commit to the following guiding principles:

• All animal use must be justified, licensed and approved by the relevant governmental (veterinary) authorities.
• Animals must be provided with optimal housing conditions, food, water, proper handling and care as required by law. Furthermore, we continuously strive to achieve better environmental conditions and housing that goes beyond the legal requirements in order to support improved animal welfare and better science.
• Alternative (animal-free) methods must be applied whenever possible.

Further information regarding the approach of the Max Planck Society towards animal research is available here: www.mpg.de/animal-studies-in-basic-research.

Our animals

Mice are being held in individually ventilated plastic cages with free access to food and water. The dedicated cage level ventilation ensures an optimal environment with stable temperature and humidity, as well as a constant supply of clean fresh air. Each cage has a thick layer of aspen bedding, as well as a selection of different materials (wooden wool, cotton nestlets, tube or shelter) that mice like to use for building nests. Mice are typically housed in small family groups.

Rats are housed in larger cages similar to the ones described above for mice, also with free access to food and water. Additionally, rat cages are much higher, and typically feature platforms at different levels. They also have a thick layer of aspen bedding, as well as a selection of different materials (wooden wool, cotton nestlets, tube or shelter) rats can use to climb, hide and build nests. We only house rats occasionally, and we do not breed them.

Zebrafish are housed in dedicated aquariums with constant supply of clean and filtered fresh water. Zebrafish are swarm animals, so they like to be housed in groups (typically 20-30 fish per aquarium).

African clawed frogs are housed in large freshwater aquariums that feature tubes and structures they can hide under.

Ferrets only visit our facility in rare occasions, and while with us they are held in a rack system including boxes, platforms, structures and toys to offer them opportunities to hide and play. Every ferret has a daily play hour in a large floor pen together with caretakers.