Animal Research 101: Types, Techniques, and the 3Rs Framework
Animal research is used worldwide to identify the causes of various human and animal diseases and to explore potential cures. However, on April 10, 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out animal testing requirements for monoclonal antibodies and other drugs, drawing widespread attention from both the global scientific community and the public. This is a reminder that animal research is a universal yet often debated topic today.
This article provides a concise and relatively comprehensive introduction to animal experimentation.
History and Significance of Animal Research
The history of animal research in the UK dates back to as far as the 17th century, when Harvey first used many animal species to demonstrate the circulation of blood. The use of animal testing expanded in the 19th century due to the development of anaesthetics. The Cruelty to Animals Act of 1876 became the first legislation to regulate animal experiments.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, medical science expanded, and with that, the number of animal research projects also expanded. Animals played a huge part in many medical advancements of the last century, including the polio vaccine, insulin, penicillin, and the elimination of smallpox.
In 2010, the EU Directive 2010/63 was passed to harmonise animal laboratory standards, significantly improving animal welfare across the EU[1].
The 3Rs for Animal Research
All modern animal research frameworks follow the principle of 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement). These principles were developed 50 years ago to perform more humane animal research. The NC3Rs has revised the definitions to match current scientific language and emphasize the ongoing importance of the 3Rs in modern research[2].
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Basic |
Updated |
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Replacement |
Avoiding or seeking alternatives to animal use in fields where they otherwise would have been used. |
Accelerate and promote the use of robust and predictive models based on the latest technologies and science to replace animal use |
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Reduction |
Reducing the number of animals used while still meeting scientific goals |
Well-designed and well-analysed animal studies that are reliable, reproducible, and contribute valuable knowledge |
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Refinement |
Reducing any pain, distress, or lasting harm that research animals may experience |
Improving laboratory animal welfare by using modern in vivo technologies to reduce pain, suffering, and distress. |
Original text: NC3Rs’ Principles of the 3Rs.
Commonly Used Laboratory Animals
Researchers use different species for different research projects depending upon the research goals, biological characteristics, and regulatory requirements.
The following are some commonly used animals in experiments:
● Mice
● Rats
● Zebrafish
● Rabbits
● Guinea Pigs
● Hamsters
● Birds
● Dogs
● Pigs
● Non-human primates
Selection is based on scientific relevance, cost, availability, and ethical review. During all animal research procedures, these species are treated humanely and protected by strict national laws and institutional guidelines.
Though it is legal to use animals in experiments, certain animals used in research are protected under the US Endangered Species Act, which can restrict the use of species such as chimpanzees.
Types of Animal Experiments
By Organism Level
Animal experiments at the organism level further include two types of experiments:
● In vivo experiments: These scientific studies are done on whole living organisms. These organisms can be mice, rats, or zebrafish.
● Ex vivo experiments: These experiments include the study of tissue or organs that have already been removed from living animals.
By Duration
Animal science experiment projects can be acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on the duration of the experiment.
● Acute experiments: Short-term studies conducted once.
● Subacute experiments: Repeated procedures over a moderate timeframe.
● Chronic experiments: Long-term research studying disease progression, drug effects, or behavior.
If you are conducting animal research or planning to upgrade your laboratory equipment, BPLabLine offers a range of lab equipment and solutions to support research projects of varying durations and complexities. Welcome to explore our animal research lab equipment.
Common Animal Research Methods/Techniques
Although techniques vary widely, most labs follow standard practices for identification, handling, anesthesia, sample collection, emergency care, and necropsy.
Below are six commonly encountered approaches:
1. Disease Modelling
An animal model is a non-human, living animal, often genetically engineered, that mimics human diseases. It helps to better understand the disease. This animal research method is one of the most common types.
2. Behavioural Testing
This animal behavior research method is most commonly used for psychiatric and neurological disorders. Animal experiments in psychology help understand the pathological and biochemical parameters of the disease.
3. Dissecting and Separation Techniques
These techniques in animal research and education are used to understand the anatomy and physiology of various organs and help develop practical skills.
4. Tissue Resection and Substance Administration
The main purpose of the tissue resection method is to surgically remove the tissues for study. On the other hand, substance administration involves administering drugs, compounds, or extracts to observe physiological effects.
5. Ex Vivo Organ/Tissue Assays
It involves studying tissues and organs outside the body under controlled conditions to determine how they function, develop, or respond to specific treatments.
6. Immunological Detection Techniques
These laboratory methods involve immunizations of the test animals with selected amounts of bacterial or viral lysates and identify or quantify the components related to a specific disease, immune system, or monitoring response.
BPLabLine Lab Equipment
Animals contribute a large share to all the medical advances happening around the globe. Having the right set of tools supports responsible and well-regulated animal research. BPLabLine offers many medical laboratory equipment collections consisting of a full range of tools and equipment necessary for high-end animal research.
Our transparent pricing, fast procurement, and local North American warehousing have gained trust in hundreds of researchers. Moreover, our tools are selected with the needs of small and medium-sized laboratories in mind. It helps researchers access reliable lab equipment for biology without complex purchasing procedures.
We supply a wide range of animal research tools, such as:
● Animal Experiment Solutions: You get a full range of preclinical research tools such as stereotaxic systems, anaesthesia equipment, micro injection pumps, and surgical instruments.
●Animal Behavior & Physiology Research Collection: This collection offers a comprehensive range of equipment for measuring sensory responses, motor function, memory, learning, and more.
Every laboratory animal’s life deserves respect, thoughtful planning, and careful scientific consideration. Click here to get in touch.
References:
[1] History of animal research. Available at: https://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/teacherzone/animal-research-essay-resources/history-of-animal-research (Accessed:28 November 2025)
[2] The 3Rs. Available at: https://nc3rs.org.uk/who-we-are/3rs (Accessed:28 November 2025)
