[The importance of animal models for progress in science].

Experimental animals may serve as models for human beings, if analogies between animal and human functions exist. Therefore, the selection of species and strain plays an important role in the development of such models. Knowledge of the nutritional and physiological characteristics of a species is a prerequisite for the composition of complete diets. Often, preliminary work has to begin at the breeding farm in order to make use of such curative models possible. Only when the high requirements of standardization of experimental animals are met can clinical and subclinical symptoms be determined distinctly. By means of sensitive biochemical reactions, imbalances and interactions of nutritive and active ingredients, as well as successful substitutions, can be recorded. The study of absorption and metabolism of preparations is made possible by observing these reactions. However, negative influence on the results of analysis must be eliminated by correct selection of narcotics, and the proper excision and storage of organs. Because of its importance for the planning and evaluation of experiments, biometry is an integral part of every research project. The scientific information which must be gained from the whole experimental animal cannot be substituted by either isolated organs and cell cultures, or by means of computer simulation. A demanding effort, which includes biotechnological methods, is necessary to further reduce the number of experimental animals and, simultaneously, to enhance experimental evidence. In any case, all scientific aims must be in accordance with the ethical principles of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.