Reduction

By choosing an appropriate experimental design (e.g., the right model organism, the right method, and the selection of suitable statistical analyses), the number of animals used in an experiment can be significantly reduced while still obtaining the same amount of information. Pilot studies with a small number of animals are another method of reducing the number of animals used. In this case, the study is first conducted on a small number of animals. The findings from this pilot study can then be used to improve the design of the main study or, if the results are not as desired, to reconsider the main study altogether. Another way of reducing the number of animals used would be to share laboratory animals for different research questions. If researchers shared animals in animal experiments, this would lead to a huge reduction in the number of animals used. However, this can only succeed if research is transparent. Imaging techniques also offer a possibility for reduction, as the same animals can be tested in long-term studies. This allows animals to be examined several times without invasive procedures. Imaging techniques include, for example:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)