Anatomical Evaluation of Rat and Mouse Simulators for Laboratory Animal Science Courses

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Over the past decades simulators of rats and mice have been developed as initial training devices for prospective researchers involved in animal testing. By using these simulators, different techniques such as blood sampling can be be learned prior to working on live animals. As this has the potential to minimize stress and suffering of experimental animals, the use of simulators is demanded by European law. Nevertheless, only little is known about frequency of their use, their anatomical correctness and learning efficiency. With this in mind, a collaborative research project named “SimulRATor” was initiated to systematically evaluate existing rat and mouse simulators. Results will serve as the basis for the development of a new 3D-printed rat simulator with realistic anatomy. In the subproject presented here, simulators were evaluated by experts of the field in order to analyze their anatomical strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation showed, that the limbs and especially the heads were perceived as anatomically unrealistic. Therefore, the authors will focus on these body regions during the construction process by e.g. including movable limbs, and a lower jaw with a tongue. This might positively affect the learning process and outcome and thereby support animal welfare. ABSTRACT: According to the European Directive 63/2010/EU, education and training involving living rats and mice are classified as an animal experiment and demands the implementation of the 3Rs. Therefore, as a method of refinement, rat and mouse simulators were developed to serve as an initial training device for various techniques, prior to working on living animals. Nevertheless, little is known about the implementation, anatomical correctness, learning efficiency and practical suitability of these simulators. With this in mind, a collaborative research project called “SimulRATor” was initiated to systematically evaluate the existing rat and mouse simulators in a multi-perspective approach. The objective of the study presented here was to identify the anatomical strengths and weaknesses of the available rat and mouse simulators and to determine anatomical requirements for a new anatomically correct rat simulator, specifically adapted to the needs of Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) training courses. Consequently, experts of Veterinary Anatomy and LAS evaluated the anatomy of all currently available rat and mouse simulators. The evaluation showed that compared to the anatomy of living rats and mice, the tails were perceived as the most anatomically realistic body part, followed by the general exterior and the limbs. The heads were rated as the least favored body part.