The 3 Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement
The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 8th edition, 2013 (updated 2021) promotes the ethical, humane and responsible use of animals for scientific purposes. Sections 1.18-1.30 of the Code explain how to apply the 3Rs at all stages of a project. Consideration of the 3Rs will improve experimental design and consequently the quality of research publications.
The ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines are recommended reading as they share many points with the 3Rs for designing research projects.
Electronic resources are available to UQ staff and students with suggestions for applying the 3Rs to projects. The Animal Ethics Unit recommend applicants use of these resources when preparing animal ethics applications. The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) is one that addresses all 3Rs. The Inventory of 3R’s Knowledge Sources is another valuable resource which allows users to consult all 3R known sources.
Replacement of animals with other methods
Methods that replace or partially replace the use of animals must be investigated, considered and wherever applicable, implemented. Opportunities to replace the use of animals must be kept under review for the lifetime of a project.
- Johns Hopkins Centre for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)
- European Union Reference Laboratory on Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM)
- Alternative Methods to Animal Experimentation (DB-ALM)
- Biomedical Research Bibliography - Alternatives to Animal Testing (ALTBIB)
- Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME)
- The Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET)
- Humane Animal Use/Alternatives: Alternatives Database - Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA)
- The Alternatives to Animal Testing Web Site (ALTWEB)
- UCDavis Centre for Animal Alternatives Information
- A Norwegian Inventory of Alternatives (NORINA) Database
Reduction in the number of animals used
The number of animals used in a project must be the minimum necessary to achieve the proposed aim(s) and to satisfy good statistical design. However, reducing the number of animals used should not result in greater harm, including pain and distress, to the animals used.
- ANZCCART Fact Sheet: How to Reduce the Number of Animals Used in Research by Improving Experimental Design and Statistics (PDF, 116.6 KB)
- Alternatives to Laboratory Animals (ATLA)
Refinement of techniques or procedures to minimise adverse impacts on animals
The effectiveness of strategies for supporting and safeguarding animal wellbeing is vital and must also be kept under review for the lifetime of project activities.
Ensure you are appropriately trained before commencing work with animals.