Optimice 100-Cage IVC System - ABSTRACT Thomas Jefferson University’s (TJU) Laboratory Animal Services (LAS) department is responsible for providing all laboratory animal services across 3 buildings on campus. LAS supports the animal research needs of 125 active principal investigators (PIs), ~8,500 rodent cages, and ~282 active IACUC protocols on the TJU campus who have research funding/grants totaling over 170 million dollars. Our oldest animal facility on campus (originally constructed in 1968), has undergone over 140 million dollars in research renovations over the last 7 years. The facility in this building currently supports the animal research needs of an estimated 50 TJU PIs. While the older portions of the facility are of sound design and quality, the primary deficiency within the more popular bio-exclusive and conventional rodent housing rooms on two main floors is modern caging, specifically individual ventilated caging (IVC). These facilities remain heavily used by researchers and the modernization of IVC systems is critical for rodent welfare and operational efficiency. The dedication of the University to help modernize the animal facilities has been paramount for research progression over the last 7 years. The addition of the IVC system would be a continuation of the modernization strategy that senior leadership continues to support to meet the growth and expansion of our animal and care program. Direct research benefits include a 25% increased room census capacity to allow for increased internal studies and collaborative projects within our cores such as the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Also, the transition to the newer IVC system will provide a continued attractive incentive for prospective researchers looking to perform work at TJU as senior leadership continues to recruit and expand the TJU research portfolio. Expansion of the IVC system equipment to two older rooms on these floors would help meet the needs of our faculty researchers and LAS animal husbandry staff. Specifically, the IVC system would afford 1) enhanced animal health and well-being due to reduced stress from handling, which in turn would enhance reproducibility and robustness in animal research data; 2) increased continuity of IVC rack/caging system across the LAS facility; and 3) increased operational efficiency for animal facility staff, clearing time for husbandry personnel to devote to other important duties related to animal care. Equipment modernization now with IVC racks and cages in areas targeted for renovations in the future will help address the immediate needs of the animal research facility, its users, and its staff and provide the benefits of modernization during the interim period between major stages of renovation in our overall LAS modernization plan.
