Dutch university scientists increase research productivity using fewer animals per project.
The proposed general reduction in the number of animals used in research within the EU is inappropriate. If a reduction is warranted it should be related to the scientific requirements. We show that the numbers of laboratory animals used per published paper in the Netherlands has decreased by 23% between 1990 and 1997. A further reduction might be detrimental to scientific progress.
Hagelin
J
J
Department of Physiology, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Carlsson
H E
HE
Hau
J
J
D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D000818:Animals; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011643:Publishing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D012586:Science / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D014495:Universities / Q000639:trends