I: Background
Federal
Regulations, including the Animal Welfare Act and PHS Policy for the Care and
Use of Laboratory Animals, require appropriate identification of animals used
in research, teaching, or training. In addition, genetic samples are often
needed for DNA analysis. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(IACUC) must approve all tissue collection and identification methods before
performing procedures on animals. This policy outlines standard methods used
for identification and genotyping.
II:
Related Policies and Guidance
• Policy 529-227:
Agents for Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Euthanasia
• Policy 529-280:
Vivarium, Room, and Cage/Tank Cards Postings
• Guidance 529-349:
Guidelines for Rodent Anesthesia and Analgesia
III: Policy
A: General Identification
1. Cage Cards
- At a minimum, the following information is required for
animal identification at the cage card level:
a) Animal Use Protocol number
b) PI name
c) Contact person (if different from
PI)
d) Species
e) Source (e.g., vendor, colony)
B: Procedures
1. Tail Tip
collection in mice:
a) General anesthesia is required for
mice older than weaning age (>21 days of age) recommended for mice over 17
days of age.
b) Investigators should consider
giving an analgesic (e.g., buprenorphine 0.05 mg/kg SQ, carprofen 5 mg/kg SQ,
or meloxicam 5 mg/kg SQ) to adult mice following general anesthesia.
c) Sharp, sterile scissors or
razor-blades are used to remove the tip of the tail. Scissors/blades should be
sterilized in between cages of animals. Tools should be sterilized between
animal cages by wiping off organic material with alcohol followed by applying
heat (hot bead sterilizer). Scissors/blades and work surfaces should be cleaned
of all organic material between animals to prevent DNA contamination.
d) No more than 5mm of tail tissue may
be removed per rodent per tissue collecting procedure. Repeat tail biopsies
require anesthesia and must be justified in the AUP.
e) Bleeding should be minimal. If
bleeding occurs, it should be stopped by applying gentle pressure or a
hemostatic agent over the site.
2. Ear Notching or
Punching in Rodents
a) Anesthesia is not required for mice
at any age but is required for rats over three weeks of age.
b) The ear punch should be cleaned of
all organic material between animals to prevent DNA contamination. In addition,
the ear punch should be sterilized between animal cages by wiping off organic
material with alcohol followed by applying heat (hot bead sterilizer).
3. Toe Clipping in mice
a) The practice of toe clipping solely
as a means of identification is unacceptable. If genotyping will be performed
in conjunction with identification via toe clipping, the investigator will be
required to assess the use of alternative systems and provide a written
justification for review and approval by the IACUC.
b) Only altricial neonatal mice up to
7 days of age should undergo this procedure, which can be done without
anesthesia. Anesthesia is required if toe-clipping is performed at > 7 days
of age, and the rationale for performing the procedure at > 7 days of age
should be included in the scientific justification. The OCV should be contacted
to confirm the appropriate technique and to verify proficiency.
c) Instruments (such as scissors or scalpels) should be cleaned of all organic
material between animals to prevent DNA contamination. In addition, the
instrument should be sterilized between animal cages by wiping off organic
material with alcohol followed by applying heat (hot bead sterilizer). After
removing the digit, hemostasis must be ensured by applying gentle pressure with
a gauze sponge or using a silver nitrate stick or styptic powder.
4. Other Identification
Methods:
a) Microchips: Injecting a small
microchip transponder subcutaneously between the scapulae is permissible. The
use of a reader detects the microchip. The size of the microchip determines if
anesthesia is needed. Contact OCV for assistance.
b) Micro-tattooing: A permanent mark
made using a needle and ink can be applied to the tail, toes, or foot pads.
c) Ear tagging: A metal tag with a
unique identification number may be attached to one ear.
d) Non-toxic dye/markers: Sharpies can
be used to mark the tail or fur. However, the mark must be reapplied every 24
hours to ensure the mark is still visible. Animal Marker is another product
available that can be used on fur. Animal Markers can last between 6-12 weeks.
Non-toxic hair dye may also be used.
5. Caudal Fin Clip in Fish
a. Before this procedure, fish must be
anesthetized via immersion in an anesthetic (e.g., MS-222).
b. The fin is clipped with the sterile
blade or scissors at a point not greater than halfway between the tip of the
fin and the body. Scissors/blades should be sterilized in between animals using
heat (e.g., hot bead sterilizer, flame) or chemical methods (e.g., 2%
glutaraldehyde 12-minute contact time, or a 1:10 dilution of bleach) and rinsed
free of chemicals before use in animals.
c. The caudal fin will regenerate
within two weeks if the procedure was performed correctly.
6. Other species:
a. All cats must be identified by a
tag, tattoo, or collar, which the research facility or vendor applies to the
live cat
b. Rabbits usually arrive from
approved vendors with an ear tag or tattoo used for identification purposes.
All cages should include a cage card; see I.1 for minimum requirements.
c. Field researchers should consult
with the latest publications when working with specific species on the field to
confirm the identification procedure and method are the least invasive and do
not hinder the animal if captured and released. All identification procedures
performed on the field must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC.
Approved on 9/15/2022;
Revised: 05/12/2025