The animal use protocol is a detailed description of the proposed use of animals. The following topics should be considered in the preparation of the protocol by the researcher and is reviewed by the MU-ACUC members:

• Rationale and purpose for the use of animals.
• A clear and concise description of the procedures involving the use of animals.
• Availability or appropriateness of the use of less-invasive procedures, other species, isolated organ preparation, cell or tissue culture, or computer simulation.
• The clarity of the title of proposal and its appropriateness to the content.
• The adequate design of the experiment.
• Safety of blood collection procedures, animal dissection and tissues harvesting.
• Justification of the species and number of animals proposed.
• Unnecessary duplication of experiments.
• The type of statistical analysis and its relevance to the expected results.
• General housing conditions and husbandry requirements.
• Impact of the procedures performed on the animals’ welfare.
• Appropriate sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia.
• Conduct of surgical procedures including multiple operative procedures.
• Post-surgical care and observation.
• Description and rationale for anticipated or selected endpoints.
• Criteria and process for timely intervention, removal of animals from a study, or euthanasia if painful or stressful results are anticipated.
• Method of euthanasia.
• Methods of hygienic disposal of animal.
• Use of hazardous materials and provision of a safe working environment.

While the responsibility for scientific merit review normally lies outside the MU-ACUC, the MU-ACUC should evaluate scientific elements of the protocol as they relate to the welfare and use of the animals.