I would like to clarify the purpose and operation of Veterinary Science 405 which was discussed in a recent article (Collegian, Feb. 15).

Vet Sci 405, Laboratory Animal Science, is intended to train graduate students, technicians and others to work with research animals responsibly. It is essential that personnel working with research animals be appropriately trained to avoid unnecessary stress or injuries to animals.

In the lectures, alternatives to animal use, regulations affecting research on animals, proper care, housing, husbandry and biology of the various species are discussed.

In the laboratory, housing, care and feeding are demonstrated and students are taught appropriate handling, restraint and some common technical procedures used on laboratory animals, such as anesthesia. Anesthesia is not performed by feeding but by inhalation or injection techniques.

Experimental studies and personal experience indicate that animal use in instruction increases the knowledge retained by students. In some instances, simulations or other alternatives are not appropriate.

In 405, slide sets, videotapes and demonstrations are used as adjuncts to reduce the number of live animals. The animals cannot be entirely replaced because one cannot learn to restrain or anesthetize an animal without hands-on experience.

The question becomes, not can we replace the teaching animals, but how important is the knowledge imparted to the target students?

In the interest of producing responsible, competent animal researchers and technicians, I believe animal use in Vet Sci 405 is entirely justified.