Michigan State University
Controller's Office

305 Administration Bldg
East Lansing, MI 48824
517 355-5020

SECTION 230: University Laboratory Animal Resources

Last updated: October 2000
  1. General
  2. Technical Services
  3. Professional Services
  4. Surgery Facilities
  5. Space Assignment
  6. Animals
  7. Budget Responsibility
  8. Statements
  9. Training
  10. Exhibits/Forms

I. General

  1. University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) located at C-100 Clinical Center, telephone number 353-5064, provides campus-wide services for:
    1. Laboratory animal medicine and care.
    2. Procurement of animals for authorized research and teaching.
  2. The department office should be called prior to the time services are needed (except for clinical emergencies).
  3. The "Policies, Responsibilities and Procedures for Animal Use and Care at Michigan State University" document is available from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies.
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II. Technical Services

University Laboratory Animal Resources offers, on a charge basis, the following services:

  1. Care of animals (specimens or colonies) on a per diem basis. This includes feed, bedding, equipment, cage washing, trucking, etc.
  2. Surgical and anesthetic services.
  3. Technical services, injections, blood sampling, etc.
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III. Professional Services

University Laboratory Animal Resources offers, free of charge, the following services:

  1. Consultation on facilities, experimental design, and utilization of species.
  2. Consultation and/or veterinary inspection regarding disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of laboratory species.
  3. Consultation on procurement and distribution of animals and animal supplies.
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IV. Surgery Facilities

University Laboratory Animal Resources surgical suite may be used for a nominal fee.  The surgical suite may be scheduled by calling the department office.  This suite is located in the Clinical Center.

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V. Space Assignment

  1. Assignment of space by the University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) will be based on first come, first served.  In the case of conflicting needs for space assigned to ULAR, if the issue cannot be resolved by the department chairperson(s) involved, the matter will be referred to the Science and Technology Sub-Committee of the University Research Council.  In the case of space assigned to other units, those units have first priority on the space, and will be responsible for resolving conflicting needs within the unit.
  2. Compatible experiments using identical or different species will sometimes be housed in the same room with notification of the investigators involved.
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VI. Animals

  1. ULAR can procure random source dogs and cats.

    To order these animals Form ULAR.108 (Exhibit A) should be completed and FAXED to the University Laboratory Animal Resources office (432-2766).  This form can be obtained by calling 353-5063.  The animals can usually be provided within one week after placing the order.  Signed paperwork should follow.
  2. Delivery of standard research animals requires at least one week after receipt of the order.  Some rodent strains may require several weeks advanced notice to vendor.  Delivery of conditioned, exotic or non-standard species may also require several weeks advanced notice to vendor.  Call University Laboratory Animal Resources for specific information concerning standard and non-standard animals.
  3. The pink copy of Form ULAR.108 should be retained by the ordering department and the remaining copies should be sent to the University Laboratory Animal Resources office.  The white original will be returned to the department when charges are processed.
  4. Claims for shortages, unusable animals, damaged shipping containers, etc., should be directed to University Laboratory Animal Resources by calling 353-5063.
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VII. Budget Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each department to request only such materials, services or animals as can be paid out of available fund balances.  Departments will provide University Laboratory Animal Resources current account numbers to ensure proper billing.

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VIII. Statements

  1. The 20th day of the month has been established as the cut-off date to facilitate posting of departmental charges.  Charges for materials, services or animals delivered between this date and the last day of the month will be charged in the following month.
  2. In reconciling ledger sheets, departments should advise University Laboratory Animal Resources of any discrepancies between the charges to their account and items detailed on the ULAR invoice, Animal Purchase, Per Diem and Supplies and Services Charges (Exhibit B).
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IX. Training

University Laboratory Animal Resources maintains an extensive library consisting of:

  1. books
  2. scientific journals
  3. videotapes
  4. slide tape programs
  5. pamphlets and news clippings

These can be used for self study on many aspects of animal welfare, experimentation, humane care and ethical issues.  This material is also available to high school students and others.  University Laboratory Animal Resources also distributes information to researchers who use animals.

University Laboratory Animal Resources staff can provide hands-on training of restraint, handling and some clinical techniques.  Training on the following topics is available:

  1. Regulations:  federal, state, and institutional
  2. Laboratory animal care and disease monitoring
  3. Clinical techniques used in research animals
  4. System for reporting deficiencies in animal care and use
  5. Methods that limit the use of animals or minimize animal distress
  6. Basic needs of project animal
  7. Handling, restraint and physical exam of animal
  8. Zoonotic disease and animal - inflicted injury prevention (occupational health and safety)
  9. The continuing debate surrounding the use of animals in research.
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X. Exhibits/Forms

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