RINI AMRIANI, A. MUH. ICHLASUL AKMAL, MUHAMMAD DIRGA GIFARDI, DIDIK IMAM SAKIRIN, DWI KESUMA SARI, A. MAGFIRA SATYA APADA

The Palatability Level of the Application of Animal Welfare Aspects in Laboratory Animal Management at the Animal Lab of Hasanuddin University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Introduction

The palatability level of the application of animal welfare aspects in laboratory animal management at the animal lab of hasanuddin university veterinary teaching hospital. Investigate animal welfare application in lab rat management (housing, environment, nutrition) and its effect on palatability levels at Hasanuddin University. Reveals significant impacts.

Abstract

According to Law Number 18 of 2009, animal welfare encompasses all aspects related to the physical and mental condition of animals based on their natural behaviors. Animal welfare includes how the management of laboratory animal housing is evaluated in terms of cage conditions, environment, and nutritional fulfillment. The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between the application of animal welfare aspects, including housing management, environment, and nutrition, on the palatability levels of laboratory animals. The research method involved dividing the treatment groups into eight groups, with each group consisting of three rats, for a total of 24 rats. The rat groups were categorized based on housing management, which was assessed based on cage size and body weight, sterilized versus non-sterilized bedding, optimum versus non-optimum temperature and humidity, and the frequency of feeding once a day or twice a day. The results showed that groups one and two exhibited higher average palatability levels compared to the other groups (17.5 and 16.5 grams, respectively), while groups four and five exhibited the lowest palatability levels (10.5 and 11.5 grams). Normality tests indicated that the data were normally distributed (P>0.05), and homogeneity tests showed that the data from the different groups were consistent (homogeneous) (P>0.05). Based on the normality and homogeneity tests, statistical analysis (ANOVA) was conducted. The ANOVA results indicated a significant effect (P

Review

This study investigates the critical area of animal welfare in laboratory settings, focusing on how various management aspects might influence the "palatability levels" of laboratory animals at the Hasanuddin University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The objective, as stated, is to examine the correlation between the application of animal welfare factors—such as housing management, environment, and nutrition—and these observed palatability levels. Addressing animal welfare in research is paramount, not only for ethical considerations but also for ensuring the validity and reproducibility of scientific outcomes. The paper tackles a highly relevant issue, aiming to provide quantitative data on the impact of specific welfare provisions, although the precise definition of "palatability levels of laboratory animals" requires further clarification, as its measurement in grams strongly suggests it refers to feed intake or preference. The methodology employed a design involving eight treatment groups, each comprising three rats, for a total of 24 animals. These groups were differentiated based on key welfare parameters including cage size and body weight considerations, the use of sterilized versus non-sterilized bedding, optimal versus non-optimal temperature and humidity conditions, and variations in feeding frequency. While the experimental setup attempts to isolate specific welfare factors, the limited sample size of three rats per group raises immediate concerns regarding statistical power and the generalizability of the findings. The results indicate significant differences, with groups one and two exhibiting notably higher average "palatability levels" (17.5 and 16.5 grams) compared to groups four and five (10.5 and 11.5 grams). Statistical analyses including normality and homogeneity tests were performed, both showing P>0.05. A subsequent ANOVA indicated a significant effect; however, the P-value for this crucial finding is incomplete in the abstract (P<), which is a critical omission for scientific reporting. While the study addresses an important topic, several aspects require considerable enhancement for publication. The primary ambiguity lies in the term "palatability level of laboratory animals"; if it refers to feed intake or preference, this should be explicitly stated and justified, along with details on how it was precisely measured. The small sample size (N=3 per group) is a significant limitation that undermines the statistical robustness and generalizability of the conclusions. Furthermore, the abstract's description of how "cage size and body weight" were categorized for grouping is vague and needs greater detail. Crucially, the missing P-value for the ANOVA must be provided. Future work could benefit from a more robust experimental design, larger sample sizes, and a clearer operational definition of the dependent variable to provide more definitive insights into the complex relationship between animal welfare provisions and animal behavior or physiological responses.

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