Bem-estar animal e refinamento ambiental no controle de qualidade biológico

Abstract

Every year several animal species are used in evaluation tests and quality control of biological products. Meeting the requirements of regulatory institutions and the quest to promote animal welfare is part of the challenges faced by quality control laboratories.Each species used in tests needs different raising and management. To promote the best habitat and ensure animal welfare, it is necessary to implement a welfare animals environmental refinement program, focused on the social, and physical environment, composed of sensory (auditory, visual, olfactory, and tactile) and nutritional stimuli. Such measures favor the individual to manifest their natural characteristics within the laboratory, reducing stress and promoting comfort to the animal. Therefore, the implementation of environmental enrichment must consider the biology of the animal, the space available in the cage, and the material availability. This paper is focused on housing changes, maintenance of social interaction, and implementation of environmental enrichment items that have been shown to positively affect the welfare of laboratory animals.