NC3Rs: National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research

Search our 3Rs resource library

Use the filters below to narrow down our resources to those relevant to your role, the model you are interested in, or by topic area. Filters are best used by combining two or more to narrow down the results.

139 results

Blood sampling: Rat

Information on techniques for sampling blood in the rat, covering non-surgical, surgical and terminal techniques.

Guidance
A brown and white rat in a cage, with an icon of a needle and syringe on a yellow background in the corner of the image.
Mouse handling

Guidance on non-aversive methods for handling mice. Includes tutorials, FAQs and tips for implementation.

Overview
Three black mice, one of them is being handled with a clear plastic tunnel
Blood sampling: Ferret

Approaches for sampling blood in the ferret, covering surgical and terminal techniques.

Guidance
Close up of a brown and white ferret's face, with an icon of a needle and syringe on a yellow background in the corner of the image.
Training animals

Guidance on implementing positive reinforcement training methods.

Guidance
Marmoset being handfed as part of positive reinforcement training
Rat playpens

The positive impact playpens have on laboratory rat welfare, and guidance on how to set one up in your institution.

Guidance
A tall cage which has been used to create a rat playpen. There are three different tiers with ladders to allow the rats to climb up between each one. A number of white rats can be seen moving between the different levels. Enrichment and play objects are available on each level including an cardboard box that used to hold laboratory gloves, coloured balls, tubes, a wheel and a raised platform on the top level with some bedding material.
Grimace scale: Rat

Details of the Rat Grimace Scale, including a poster for display in laboratory rooms and corridors.

Hard copy | Tool
Screenshot of the top third of the rat grimace scale poster showing the orbital tightening facial action units
Grimace scale: Mouse

Details of the Mouse Grimace Scale, including a poster for display in laboratory rooms and corridors.

Hard copy | Tool
Screenshot of the top third of the mouse grimace scale poster showing the orbital tightening facial action units
Malocclusion in mice

Information and resources on malocclusion in mice to improve welfare within a research setting.

Guidance | Hard copy
One mouse exhibiting healthy teeth and another exhibiting unhealthy, maloccluded teeth
Training on the 3Rs

A video resource for introductory training on the 3Rs aimed at in vivo researchers and animal technicians.

Training and e-learning | Webinar and video
Cover slide for the 3Rs training webinar. The title of the talk is seen in white text on a blue background - The 3Rs: Their definition, application and importance to your work.
Rat tickling

Resources on rat tickling and how it can be used to promote positive human-animal interactions.

Overview
A white rat in a clear plastic cage with wooden shavings, being tickled by a gloved hand.
Blood sampling: Rabbit

Approaches for sampling blood in the rabbit, covering non-surgical and terminal techniques.

Guidance
Two white rabbits in an enclosure, one of which is standing on top of a shelter, with an icon of a needle and syringe on a yellow background in the corner of the image.
Blood sampling: Hamster

Approaches for sampling blood in the hamster, covering non-surgical, surgical and terminal techniques.

Guidance
Close up of a golden hamster in a cardboard tube in its home cage, with an icon of a needle and syringe on a yellow background in the corner of the image.