9. Experimental procedures When and how often. explanation
For each experimental group, including controls, describe the procedures in enough detail to allow others to replicate them, including:
Clearly report the frequency and timing of experimental procedures and measurements, including the light and dark cycle (e.g. 12L:12D), circadian time cues (e.g. lights on at 08:00), and experimental time sequence (e.g. interval between baseline and comparator measurements or interval between procedures and measurements). Along with innate circadian rhythms, these can affect research outcomes such as behavioural, physiological, and immunological parameters [1,2]. Also report the timing and frequency of welfare assessments, taking into consideration the normal activity patterns (see item 15 – Animal care and monitoring). For example, nocturnal animals may not show behavioural signs of discomfort during the day [3].
If the timing of procedures or measurements varies between animals, this information can be provided as a supplementary table listing each animal.
References
- Bartlang MS, Neumann ID, Slattery DA, Uschold-Schmidt N, Kraus D, Helfrich-Förster C and Reber SO (2012). Time matters: pathological effects of repeated psychosocial stress during the active, but not inactive, phase of male mice. Journal of Endocrinology. doi: 10.1530/joe-12-0267
- Paul AK, Gueven N and Dietis N (2017). Morphine dosing strategy plays a key role in the generation and duration of the produced antinociceptive tolerance. Neuropharmacology. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.034
- Hawkins P, Morton DB, Burman O, Dennison N, Honess P, Jennings M, Lane S, Middleton V, Roughan JV, Wells S and Westwood K (2011). A guide to defining and implementing protocols for the welfare assessment of laboratory animals: eleventh report of the BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW Joint Working Group on Refinement. Laboratory Animals. doi: 10.1258/la.2010.010031