Characterization of transgenic mice--a comparison of protocols for welfare evaluation and phenotype characterization of mice with a suggestion on a future certificate of instruction.

A thorough welfare evaluation performed as part of a general phenotype characterization for both transgenic and traditional mouse strains could not only contribute to the improvement of the welfare of laboratory animals, but could also be of benefit to scientists, laboratory veterinarians and the inspecting authorities. A literature review has been performed to identify and critically evaluate already existing protocols for phenotype and welfare characterization. There are several relevant schemes available, among others the SHIRPA method, the modified score sheet of Morton and Griffiths, the FRIMORFO phenotype characterization scheme and the behavioural phenotype schemes as described by Crawley. These protocols have been evaluated according to four goals: Their ability (1) to reveal any special needs or problems with a transgenic strain, (2) to cover the informational needs of the purchaser/user of the strain, (3) to refine the welfare of the transgenic animal model by identifying relevant humane endpoints, (4) to prevent the duplication of animal models that have already been developed. The protocols described are useful for characterizing the phenotype and judging welfare disturbances, however the total amount of information and the degree of detail varies considerably from one scheme to another. We present a proposal regarding the practical application of the various schemes that will secure proper treatment and the identification of humane endpoints. It is advocated that with every purchase of a particular strain, an instruction document should accompany the strain. This document needs to give detailed descriptions of the typical characteristics of the strain, as well as necessary actions concerning relevant treatment and humane endpoints. At the moment no such documents are required. The introduction of these types of documents will contribute to improvements in animal welfare as well as experimental results in laboratory animal experimentation.