The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The use of proper restraint and handling techniques reduces stress to animals and also to the researcher. Handling stress represents an experimental variable and should be minimized whenever possible. Animals can inflict serious injuries to humans and to themselves as a result of improper handling.
Animals experience stress as a result of shipping.
All large animals must be allowed to acclimate to the facility for three days. During this time they may not be experimentally manipulated. Acclimation periods of up to one week are recommended for all animals. If a study will involve significant handling of animals it is recommended that the animals be acclimated to the handling. Prior to experimental manipulation, handle the animal on a regular basis in a non-threatening situation, e.g. weighing, petting, giving food treats.