Implement and maintain animal breeding programmes in a Home Office designated establishment

This standard covers implementing and maintaining animal breeding programmes in a Home Office designated establishment. It includes the fertilisation of animals through natural methods or by artificial insemination (AI).

When working with research animals recognise humanity’s obligation to them and your responsibility for ensuring their proper care and treatment at all times.

You must maintain the health and welfare of the animals and ensure the effective implementation of the breeding programme.

This standard is for licenced animal technologists in Home Office designated establishments.

It is essential that you work strictly within the limits of both your personal licence and the relevant project licence.

1. confirm that your work is carried out in accordance with the approved codes of practice and the organisation’s procedures and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. confirm that environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements are put into practice across your area of responsibility
3. comply with legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies relating to the care and welfare of breeding animals in a Home Office designated establishment
4. confirm safe practices and the correct clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are used for the activity
5. confirm that the correct level of hygiene and biosecurity is implemented and maintained in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
6. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
7. check and confirm the requirements of the breeding programme and how it should be implemented
8. select animals that are suitable for breeding in accordance with the requirements of the breeding programme
9. check the health and behaviour of the potential breeding stock and their readiness for breeding
10. confirm the animals are prepared for breeding including pre-mating health checks and use of prophylactic treatments where required, in accordance with the organisation’s procedures
11. facilitate fertilisation in accordance with the breeding programme
12. check that the health and condition of the breeding animals is maintained throughout the reproductive cycle
13. check that the correct environment is maintained throughout the gestation period and parturition
14. monitor the health and condition of the female throughout the gestation period and take the required action if variations from the normal occur
15. monitor the health and condition of the mother and her offspring at appropriate times and intervals and take the required action where there are any problems
16. identify, and respond, to situations where the substitution of mother or offspring is necessary
17. confirm weaning, separation and artificial rearing, where required, are carried out in accordance with the breeding programme
18. keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation
19. conduct all activities within the provisions and standard conditions of your personal licence and the project licence

1. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the organisation’s policies
2. your responsibilities for the care and welfare of animals in a Home Office designated establishment under the relevant animal welfare legislation and Home Office codes of practice
3. the reasons for using animals in scientific research and humanity’s responsibilities to them
4. the importance and correct use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out activities in a Home Office designated establishment
5. the importance of maintaining appropriate levels of hygiene and biosecurity and the organisation’s procedures for this
6. the current legislation, regulations, codes of practice, animal welfare and ethical considerations linked to breeding programmes
7. the requirements of the breeding programme
8. the importance of having the right resources and equipment available
9. the methods of selecting individual animals for breeding
10. when to remove animals from the breeding programme
11. the details of special arrangements for the care of breeding and non-breeding males
12. how to determine the best time for breeding from the relationship between the reproductive cycle, the age of the animal and its last pregnancy
13. how to carry out a health and physical assessment of animals and identify their readiness for breeding
14. the prophylactic treatments that can be given to both parents prior to mating and during gestation
15. the timing and preparation for mating or AI
16. the mating behaviour which determines or precludes the mating method to be used
17. the anatomy of male and female reproductive systems in the animals you are responsible for
18. the identification of oestrus
19. the factors that influence conception
20. how pregnancy is identified in animals and how this may differ between different animals
21. the environments which are conducive to the wellbeing of animals during gestation and parturition
22. when to check the health and condition of the female during the gestation period
23. the signs which indicate the health of the animal and those which may indicate variation from the normal
24. the normal behaviour associated with parturition
25. the health problems associated with parturition and how the risks of contraction can be minimised
26. the forms of assistance that can be given to animals during parturition
27. the situations where it may be necessary to substitute mother or offspring and fostering procedures to support this
28. when to check the health and condition of the mother and offspring and the factors that affect this
29. the behavioural signs of animal health and wellbeing and their significance for the health of the mother and offspring
30. how the health and wellbeing of the mother and offspring can best be promoted
31. the methods of weaning and separation, and the indications for their use
32. the options for artificial rearing and the likely consequences for the wellbeing of the animals
33. the potential problems encountered by young animals, such as loss of mother, competition, risk of damage and disease, loss of milk supply, and the actions that can be taken to tackle them
34. the relevant legislation and the organisation’s requirements for maintaining breeding records
35. the provisions and standard conditions of your personal licence and the provisions of the project licence

Parturition means the birth process.