Animal facilities are climate controlled. If animal facilities are located in a multi-use building, the animal facility will have a separate air system. Air is usually 100 percent fresh air, with no recirculation. Fifteen to twenty air changes per hour are recommended. Generally, each animal room has individual temperature control, to be adjusted to the optimal temperature for the species.
Humidity is held around fifty percent.
Lighting is on timers to control the cycle, and is controlled for intensity. Animals are provided with appropriate feed and water Animals are checked daily for any signs of ill health or stress. Death is not an acceptable end point. Unanaesthetized deaths should not occur in research laboratories. At The University of Western Ontario, we have developed standard operating procedures outlining the criteria for early euthanasia of rodents and other mammals.