Manual of Animal Technology.

Although intended for animal health technologists involved in the field of laboratory animal care, this textbook provides readily accessible and applicable information regardless of the reader’s background. The first half of the book is dedicated to species specific husbandry and health parameters as they relate to the research environment. Although by no means comprehensive with respect to the medical or surgical management of diseases of the individual, the body of each chapter contains key facts and figures which deal with the environmental and management requirements unique to each species. One of the strengths of this text is how it is able to clearly relay information regarding animal care and population management as it pertains specifically to the laboratory animal setting. Although many of the finer details are perhaps of limited practical value in a commercial operation or private residence, their importance in ensuring scientific validity cannot be understated. Environmental parameters which are of critical importance in reducing experimental variation are clearly tabulated along with key physiological data for each species. Some examples of these elements are photoperiod, relative humidity, temperature, environmental enrichment techniques and ventilation rates for species maintained in confined housing areas. The format of each chapter facilitates the use of the book as a quick reference by the reader. The second half of the book provides information and details surrounding the concepts, processes, and procedures required for the successful operation of a laboratory animal facility. Topics include animal sourcing, transportation, housing and nutrition, surgical techniques, anesthesia, and ultimately humane and acceptable methods of euthanasia. Excellent discussions on the important concepts of biological decontamination, microbiological status of research animals, isolation of pathogens and infectious agents are included. Some of the technologies employed to ensure that the aforementioned concepts can be applied are similarly explained in a manner that provides the reader with a functional understanding of modern research operations. Unfortunately for North Americans, the legislative and regulatory content of the text are specific to the United Kingdom. These portions, however, should stimulate and encourage the reader to actively explore national and provincial regulations surrounding animal research activities. Additionally, the section on the ethical implications of animal use is thought provoking and functions as a primer for further self-directed reading. Each chapter is well referenced for further study, but the reader may find limited value in those documents which are again specifically geared towards those residing in the United Kingdom. Although the authors have focused the book and its contents towards technologists already employed within the research setting, it has significant potential to serve as an introductory module for animal care professionals contemplating a new career. Overall this manual provides a comprehensive summary of common laboratory animal species together with insight into the complexities of research facilities without overwhelming the audience.