Alternative Research Animal Restraint Informational Report

Table of Contents

1. Cattle Restraint
2. Frog Restraint
3. Swine Restraint
4. Rabbit Restraint
5. Poultry Restraint
6. References

Cattle Restraint

Cattle, being larger than most animals used in laboratory testing, are restrained in different methods than rats or mice. Most methods of restraint for dairy cattle include binding via ropes, nose leads, or oral speculums (shown below).

Example of an oral speculum.

http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/fieldservice/Dairy/RESTR/speculum.htm

However, it is also possible to fully restrain cattle using a cattle crush, also known as a squeeze chute. Cattle walk into the chute and are then unable to move or back out while any examinations or operations are performed on them. Due to cattle behavior, they tend to follow the leader and will lift partially raised gates to continue moving forward. One such example of how to trap the cow in the chute is shown below.

Cattle chute. http://www.grandin.com/gifs/v-schematic2.jpg

Chutes such as these work because the animal is unable to turn around at any point during the process. Once they are done, they can be released from the front by loosening the restraint around the head and opening the gate.

Applying this to rat models, this could be used in a way similar to how the DecapiCones work. If the cone was adjustable and rigid it could be used in combination with a chute-like system to herd the rat into an area and then prevent movement. After the allotted restraint time has expired, the rat could then be released from the restraint back into its cage. For obvious reasons it is not preferable to attempt to physically restrain rats with ropes or other devices, as a Snuggle would serve that same purpose. By herding the rat, the rat is willfully going into the restraint device and would theoretically put up less of a fight, especially if the chute was designed to be one way, as they are for cattle.

Frog Restraint

There exist at least three different methods to restrain a frog or other amphibian. According to “Guidelines for Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field and Laboratory Research,” one method of restraint is a body squeeze and a second method is a plastic tube. As described by the article, the plastic tube is mainly used for snakes; however, it could potentially be applied to a frog or other amphibian. The plastic tube restraint begins with the frog, other amphibian, or snake entering the tube because that is where they are directed by the researcher. Then, once the specimen is situated properly, the researcher closes off any means of escape or reduces the size so that the specimen is unable to move out of the restraint (“Guidelines for Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field and Laboratory Research,” 2004, p. 10). According to Bourque in his article “An Alternative Method for Restraining Frogs,” there is a third technique in which to restrain frogs. As he states, “[t]he device has five basic components: the base plate, the compression plate, two anchor bolts, two compression locks, and two compression pads” (Bourque, 2007, p. 48). This type of restraint works by placing the frog’s legs between the two compression pads and tightening the bolts to an appropriate degree so that the two pads effectively restrain the frog’s legs. The restraint should not be tightened more than is necessary to prevent the frog from escaping from the device, and the restraint should not injure the frog (Bourque, 2007, p. 48-49).

Swine Restraint

Before designing swine restraints, the behavior of pigs must be taken into account. Pigs are social animals and will typically follow a leader. Pigs also are very inquisitive and like to escape from enclosed areas. Pigs cannot sweat, so a restraint cannot completely engulf the pig, and handling the pig should not be done in hot temperatures. Pigs also have a blind spot directly behind them, so it is helpful to avoid this area (Animal Behavior and Restraint, 2014)

One method of restraint is the pig sorting board (Animal Behavior and Restraint, 2014). With this method, you place the board over the back of the pig and press down. This holds the pig, but only for a short time and it may require multiple people to accomplish the task. A second method of restraint is the restraining snare. This restraint can hold the pig for a longer period of time, but also should not be used often. With a snare, the loop is placed in the mouth and pulled upward and it requires a properly trained handler (Animal Behavior and Restraint, 2014).

Pigs can be trained to enter a restraint. One restraint that they can be trained to enter is a sling, in which they are supported by a flat piece of cloth-like material and their feet poke through. This is a good restraint because the “pressure on the belly seems to have a calming effect.” (Grandin, 1986). Finally, the meat industry uses a restrainer called a V-restrainer, in which two boards of wood are pressed against the pigs and the pig’s legs extend beyond the bottom. Again, since pressure is exerted on the belly, it calms the pig. (Grandin, 1986)

Rabbit Restraint

To manually immobilize a rabbit for technical procedures, scruff the nape of its neck with one hand and gently grasp its hind legs at the hock (the joint below the knee on the hind leg) with the other hand. You can then carefully stretch the rabbit out lengthwise so it cannot move.

There are several devices used to immobilize rabbits when manual restraint is not advisable. Plastic restrainers use a head gate, back piece, and head stabilizers. Be careful when placing an animal into or removing an animal from a restrainer. If an improperly sized restrainer is used, an injury such as a broken back may result.

A restraint bag can also be used to restrain a rabbit. A rabbit can be placed in this simple canvas bag, which exposes the head and ears for manipulation. Some cat bags also have zippered slots that allow handlers to work with different parts of the animal.

With gentle and skilled handling, rabbits can be lulled into a hypnotic-like state in which they lie calmly, are immobile, and are not responsive to mild stimuli.

Poultry Restraint

Because the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of birds is so different from that of more commonly used laboratory animals, the handling of poultry requires special skills. Those who work with these animals must recognize their fragile nature and learn to modify their handling techniques accordingly.

Unintentional injury or even death can occur when poultry are handled by anyone who is not familiar with their anatomical and physiological characteristics. Restriction of the movement of the keel bone (sternum) during restraint will suffocate a bird. Some birds can also overheat when restrained, due to heat generated by the muscular exertion to escape. They are unable to dissipate the heat trapped by the enclosure of their body in restraint. Because poultry are easily alarmed or frightened, any sudden movement or loud noise may upset an entire flock. Frightened birds attempting to flee can be injured by flying into walls or stampeding and trampling other birds. Researchers and facility personnel should move slowly around poultry. Cage manipulations should be done slowly and deliberately. A successful capture on the first attempt is the least stressful for the bird.

Poultry are generally easy to handle and usually are not as fragile as other bird species. These birds are usually docile, but they can peck, scratch, or inflict puncture wounds. Anyone working with poultry should be trained in appropriate handling and restraint.

References

• “Animal Handling and Restraint.” Course Materials. Animal Research Facility Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, n.d. http://210.212.254.115:198/arf/p1.php. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
• “Basic Rat Handling and Technique Workshop” [PDF document]. Research.unc.edu. UNC Chapel Hill, Feb. 2017. https://research.unc.edu/files/2017/03/Rat-Handling-and-Techniques.pdf. Accessed 11 Sept. 2017.
• “Animal Behavior and Restraint.” The Center for Food Security and Public Health , Iowa State University , June 2014, www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Emergency-Response/Just-in-Time/08-Animal-Behavior-Restraint-Swine-HANDOUT.pdf
• Grandin, Temple. “Minimizing Stress in Pig Handling in the Research Lab.” 1986, Minimizing Stress in Pig Handling in the Research Lab, www.grandin.com/references/minimizing.stress.in.pig.handling.html