Introduction
It may seem strange that a veterinary nurse( VN) would choose to work with laboratory animals. The subject is not covered in training, and few VNs are aware of the rules and regulations applicable to animals used in a research capacity. The public perception of animals in scientific research is cautious and complex [ 1 ]. Negative opinion of animals in medical research is often inflated by misinformation [ 2 ] and those who work in this field are often stigmatised [ 3 ].
In the UK, the use of animals in scientific research is strictly regulated under the Animals( Scientific Procedures) Act 1986( ASPA), which aims to ensure that animal welfare is prioritised and that animals are used only when absolutely necessary. The ASPA is enforced by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit( ASRU), a governmental body responsible for licensing and monitoring research establishments. Inspections by the ASRU and ethical reviews by institutional animal welfare and ethical review bodies further ensure that these principles are rigorously applied. These measures collectively ensure that the use of animals in UK research is ethical, scientifically justified and closely monitored.
As part of my training at the Swansea Lab for Animal Movement at Swansea University, I became a Home Office Personal Licence Holder specialising in birds, which allows me to take part in licensed procedures. I work closely with the university ' s Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer( NACWO) and Named Veterinary Surgeon( NVS) to ensure the wellbeing of the birds is continually monitored and maintained.
Health monitoring and treatments
The birds are weighed on a weekly basis when they are not engaged in trials. When they are involved in flight experiments, they are weighed daily to accurately track changes in their body mass. Based on their physiological condition and energy demands, I tailor their feeding regimens to maintain optimal flight capacity, particularly during the colder months when increased fat storage typically occurs. The intake of macronutrients, comprising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, is monitored and adjusted, with supplemental amino acids, vitamins and minerals provided as necessary to ensure peak health and performance.
Keel 1: Emaciated
Keel 2: Thin
Keel 3: Normal
Keel bone almost muscle-less
Keel bone very palpable
Keel bone tip barely palpable and well muscled
It is vital that the health of laboratory birds is maintained to ensure they are suitable for use in experiments and to meet regulatory requirements, with daily assessments forming the foundation for this. We keep pigeons( Columba livia) at the university. Each morning, before aviary cleaning, I perform individual inspections of the birds, evaluating them for any signs of illness, stress or injury.
The body condition of the pigeons is assessed weekly by using a keel score( Figure 1) [ 4 ]. The keel score, a measure of muscle and fat development along the breastbone, is influenced by several factors in birds. These factors include nutrition, phenotype and other biological and environmental conditions. For all birds, the keel score is an indicator of overall health, physical fitness and body condition.
Birds with higher keel scores are generally in better health, with well-developed flight muscles( in flying species) and sufficient fat stores for energy, but factors such as the amount of exercise the birds have and the season can influence this.
Keel 4: Overweight
Keel 5: Obese
Figure 1. Keel score basics [ 4 ].
Keel bone not palpable within excess muscle and fat
Keel bone not palpable, but cleavage palpable between excessive accumulations of muscle and fat
54 Veterinary Nursing Journal