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The Manual of Animal Technology was edited by Stephen W. Barnett and published by Blackwell Publishing in collaboration with the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) in 2007. The IAT in the United Kingdom strives to promote excellence in the field of laboratory animal care and well being through education and continued training and instruction. Barnett and the contributing authors lend their expertise to specific chapters and relevant topics that include not only the ethical and legal requirements of animals used in scientific research in the UK, but also the proper husbandry techniques of laboratory animals, and their care and well being during research.
The text was written to assist the laboratory animal student or technician with core, fundamental topics relating to laboratory animal care, such as basic husbandry, nutrition, animal transport, ethical implications of using animals in research, and good laboratory practice for most all laboratory animal species. Rules and regulations governing laboratory animal care and welfare in the UK are included throughout the chapters. Additionally more specialized topics including surgery, anesthesia, and chapters relative to disease and parasitology complete the text however do not explore beyond the scope of the animal care technician.
The text is well organized so that each chapter on a particular species follows the same format, allowing for ease of locating information. The references and further reading lists found at the end each chapter allow the reader to garner more in-depth data when desired. The laboratory mouse and rat are typically the two most commonly used laboratory animal species worldwide. They are reasonably small, easy to house, economical to maintain, and fairly easy to handle. Additional chapters are dedicated to other species like dogs, cats, primates, domestic farm animals, the Xenopus frog, and Zebrafish. Though utilized less commonly, each has their own particular traits making them suitable for appropriate research topics.
Chapter 36: The Ethical Implications of the Use of Animals in Scientific Procedures is thought provoking, well written, and explains the ethical debate and justification of animal use in procedures. The distinction between ethics and law is discussed as well as the ethical review process and the three R's: reduction, refinement, and replacement.
Throughout the book excellent quality black and white photographs are included which enhance and clarify the subject material. Chapter 34: Parasitology shows both actual and microscopic views of the more commonly encountered parasites in laboratory animal practice as well as a review of their life cycles and zoonotic potential. Chapter 41: Anesthesia and Peri-operative Care is an introduction to anesthesia that is also highlighted by quality photographs, line diagrams, and excellent tables of anesthetics and analgesics appropriate for many laboratory animal species. Also of benefit especially to students is the glossary of terms used throughout the text and the appendix of animal technology calculations frequently encountered in the research setting.
Although the Manual of Animal Technology was written for veterinary technicians, laboratory animal care staff, and those taking the Institute of Animal Technology courses in the United Kingdom, it is a suitable reference anywhere laboratory animal care information is required. It is well written, portable, easy to navigate, and informative without being overwhelming for the level of competency it achieves.
Stephen W. Barnett, ed. Manual of Animal Technology. Blackwell Publishing, 2007.
Sandra L. Jex is a veterinarian and consultant. She can be reached at editors@alnmag.com.