Minimising the use of GA mice
Strategies to minimise the number of mice used in the process of generating, breeding and maintaining GA mouse colonies.
Search the subject specific and specialist databases to see if the GA mouse already exists.
- International Mouse Strain Resource
- Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI)
- MRC Harwell Archive
- International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium
- Mouse Locator UK
The phenotype observed is heavily dependent upon background strain. It is important that the genetic integrity and provenance of the wild types used to breed with GA lines are scrutinised.
Archiving of GA lines as frozen embryos or gametes should be routine part of scientific programmes that produce GA animals. This not only helps reduce animal use by minimising the number of GA lines maintained on the shelf, but also facilitates the sharing of GA lines between researchers, providing further opportunities for reduction. A free archiving service is provided by the MRC Frozen Embryo and Sperm Archive.
Read our guidance on re-establishing colonies after a pause (e.g. COVID-19 lockdown) with an emphasis on minimising the number of mice used.
High level guidance offering opportunities for reduction and refinement, including databases and repositories for GA strains.
