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INTRODUCTION

Most laboratory experiments especially in biology involves working with animals and plants such as rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs. This is because it is ethically impossible to use human or human specimens in doing this experiments but it is possible to obtain similar results using laboratory animals.

These animals are easy to maintain in a laboratory environment, reproduce faster and have short life expectancy which enables the effect of a lifetime to be observed in relatively short life time.

Laboratory animals   should be handled with care and any experiments dealing with them should be under control making sure that   no stipulated regulation and legislation stipulated concerning them is infringed.

Laboratory animals   include generally any small animal that can be easily handle in the laboratory environment e.g.rats, mice, rabbits , guinea pigs , hamsters ,  amphibians ,  reptiles, and insects like locust , mosquitoes ,and even some microorganisms like protozoa and bacteria .

Purpose for Laboratory Animals 

Laboratory animals are used for various purposes in scientific research, testing, and education. Here are some common purposes for which laboratory animals are utilized:

1. Biomedical Research: Laboratory animals play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human and animal biology, diseases, and potential treatments. They are used to study the mechanisms of diseases, develop new therapies, and test the safety and efficacy of medical interventions.

2. Drug Development and Testing: Animals are used in preclinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of potential drugs and treatments before they are tested on humans. Animal models help researchers understand drug metabolism, toxicity, and potential side effects.

3. Disease Modeling: Animals can be genetically modified or bred to develop specific diseases or conditions that closely mimic human disorders. These animal models enable researchers to study the progression of diseases, investigate underlying mechanisms, and test potential therapeutic interventions.

4. Toxicity and Safety Testing: Laboratory animals are used to assess the potential adverse effects of chemicals, pesticides, cosmetics, and other substances. These tests help determine the safety of products and their potential impact on human and environmental health.

5. Behavioral and Psychological Studies: Animals, particularly rodents, are commonly used to study behavior, cognition, learning, and emotional processes. These studies provide insights into the neurological and psychological aspects of human and animal behavior.

6. Genetics and Genomics Research: Laboratory animals are essential in studying the genetics and inheritance of traits. By manipulating and studying the genes of animals, researchers can gain insights into genetic disorders, gene function, and the role of specific genes in health and disease.

7. Teaching and Education: Laboratory animals are used in educational settings to provide hands-on learning experiences for students studying biology, veterinary medicine, and other related fields. They help students understand physiological processes, anatomy, and basic research techniques.

The use of laboratory animals is regulated by ethical guidelines and laws to ensure their welfare and minimize any potential harm. Alternatives to animal testing, such as cell cultures, computer models, and other in vitro methods, are actively pursued to reduce the reliance on animal experimentation.

Why Laboratory Animals are preferred for use in research 

Laboratory animals are preferred for research for several reasons:

1. Biological Similarity: Many laboratory animals, such as mice, rats, and non-human primates, share genetic, physiological, and anatomical similarities with humans. Studying these animals allows researchers to gain insights into human biology, diseases, and potential treatments.

2. Controlled Experimental Conditions: Laboratory animals can be housed in controlled environments, allowing researchers to manipulate and control various factors such as diet, temperature, light cycles, and exposure to substances. This control helps researchers isolate and study specific variables, leading to more precise and reliable results.

3. Experimental Manipulation: Laboratory animals can be genetically modified, selectively bred, or subjected to specific procedures, allowing researchers to study the effects of genetic variations, targeted interventions, or disease modeling. This ability to manipulate and control experimental conditions enhances our understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms.

4. Shorter Lifespan and Generational Studies: Some laboratory animals, such as mice, have relatively short lifespans and reproduce quickly. This characteristic enables researchers to conduct long-term studies and observe multiple generations within a relatively short time span. It facilitates the investigation of complex biological processes and the evaluation of interventions over time.

5. Ethical Considerations: Using laboratory animals in research can help spare human subjects from potential harm and risks associated with initial testing of experimental interventions. It allows researchers to gain preliminary insights into safety, efficacy, and potential adverse effects before advancing to human clinical trials.

6. Availability of Established Models: Certain laboratory animals have been extensively studied and characterized, and specific strains or species have well-established models for various diseases and conditions. This availability of established models provides researchers with valuable tools to investigate specific research questions and test potential interventions.

7. Regulatory Requirements: Regulatory agencies often require the use of laboratory animals for safety testing and efficacy evaluation of drugs, medical devices, and other interventions before they can be approved for human use. The data generated from animal studies are used to assess potential risks and benefits and inform decisions related to human health and safety.

It is worth noting that the use of laboratory animals in research is a topic of ethical consideration, and efforts are continuously made to reduce the number of animals used, refine experimental procedures to minimize animal suffering, and explore alternative methods whenever possible.