Reduce: reduction of animal numbers in research
Reduction is one of the "three Rs" (Replacement, Reduction and Replacement) of Russell and Burch, a concept which is described in more detail here.
They defined the three Rs as:
Replacement alternatives: methods which permit a given purpose to be achieved without conducting experiments or other scientific procedures on animals
Reduction alternatives: methods for obtaining comparable levels of information from the use of fewer animals in scientific procedures, or for obtaining more information from the same number of animals
Refinement alternatives: methods which alleviate or minimise potential pain, suffering or distress, and which enhance animal well-being
Reduction is often achievable by better experimental design and statistical analysis.
The PREPARE guidelines contain links to many resources which can be used to implement the 3Rs.
Other literature
- Richter SH (2024): Challenging current scientific practice: how a shift in research methodology could reduce animal use
- de Boo & Hendriksen C (2005): Reduction Strategies in Animal Research: A Review of Scientific Approaches at the Intra-experimental, Supra-experimental and Extra-experimental Levels
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