Research involving animals

ARU is committed to supporting the best quality scientific research in terms of ethics, conduct and impact.

As part of our commitment, we fully endorse the ARRIVE guidelines in line with the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) which focus on improving the design and reporting of animal studies.

Furthermore, ARU is committed to transparency and openness in its operations. Any use of animals for research or teaching purposes will be conducted ethically and in accordance with relevant regulations. ARU is committed to the 3Rs, which are principles aimed at ensuring ethical use of animals in research and testing:

  1. Replacement: Using non-animal methods whenever possible.
  2. Reduction: Minimising the number of animals used.
  3. Refinement: Enhancing techniques to minimise pain and distress, improving animal welfare.

ARU does not hold a Home Office licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Consequently, any activity that constitutes a regulated procedure under this Act is strictly prohibited within our institution. This is confirmed in the Research Ethics Policy; Information on Ethical Approval. Other types of research involving animals and observations of their habitat require research ethics approval.

For research involving animals, all ARU students and staff at core campuses and franchise academic partners, are required to obtain ethics approval before commencing their research. For undergraduate and postgraduate taught students this only applies to their final year research projects, although there may be ethical issues that need addressing for other types of research they undertake, and this must be checked with the relevant Faculty Research Ethics Panel Chair.

Animal research applications must be approved by the Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Panel (WSAAES SREP) or Biology SREP for applications classified as medium risk. A clinical sub-group of the WSAAES SREP has also been established for evaluation of (para)veterinary clinical research. The Faculty of Science & Engineering Research Ethics Panel must approve high risk applications.

We are members of Understanding Animal Research and signatories of the Concordat of Openness on Animal Research in the UK.

ARU statement on research involving living animals

ARU is a showcase for commitment and expertise in sustainability. We equip our graduates with the knowledge, skills and agency they need to address the environmental and societal challenges of sustainability. We are recognised for our world-leading innovation and research impact as part of our Sustainable Futures Research and Innovation theme.

Through local and international partnerships, we aim to enable co-learning and collaboration and be recognised as a global leader in demonstrating sustainability action. We aspire to be a reference for research in agri-tech, regenerative agriculture, animal wellbeing, land and environmental fields.

ARU conducts applied research that addresses national and global issues and challenges. We deliver research and teaching aimed:

  • to optimise environmental and economic sustainability
  • on the vital role equine and companion animals play in social wellbeing
  • on the importance of their care, health and welfare.

The animal research carried out at our campuses includes the areas of:

  • agricultural livestock productivity and welfare
  • veterinary sciences
  • wildlife conservation and welfare
  • human-animal interactions
  • equine and companion animals’ health.

All research project proposals involving living animals at ARU are assessed by a university research ethics panel.

ARU is committed to the principles of the 3Rs of reduction, refinement and replacement. In relation to all research involving animals, we rigorously apply the 3R approach to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that:

  • no alternative to the use of animals is possible
  • the sample size is strictly controlled and appropriate
  • procedures, care routines and husbandry are refined to maximise welfare.

Ethical review

This ethical review will cover animal trials and research below the threshold requiring regulation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), such as behavioural observations, biomechanics measurements or diet evaluation.

We also conduct non-invasive clinical trials on canine and equine subjects, which are exempt from ASPA regulation. We follow codes of Animal Welfare established by DEFRA and the National Equine Welfare Council, amongst others.

During the research review process, ethics committee members will particularly ensure that:

  • the methods used should not cause pain, distress, suffering or lasting harm in line with Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
  • the number and type of animals used is clearly stated, justified and follows reduction principles
  • an animal welfare monitoring protocol, including who to report problems to, is included to ensure animal welfare before, during and after their use in experiments.

We already publish annually, on our website, statements for Research Integrity in line with the Concordat to Support Research Integrity (Research Integrity - ARU).

Signatories to the Concordat agree to be more open about their use of animals in research, and to abide by the following four commitments:

  • Commitment 1: We will be clear about when, how and why we use animals in research
  • Commitment 2: We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our research using animals
  • Commitment 3: We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals
  • Commitment 4: We will report on progress annually and share our experiences.

Signatories agree that they will work to fulfil the four Commitments, initiating projects and strategies that are relevant and appropriate for their organisations to be more open about their use of animals in research, and will be asked to report on their progress in taking these steps.

Find out more about the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK

Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK logo

More about animal research at ARU

Our ethics training is compulsory for all staff in a research capacity and students who will be involved in working with animals.

All members of the university who work with animals are obliged to understand their own role within the local structure for the use of animals. This includes how they personally contribute and work with others to maintain the highest of standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity.

Training will be provided to all members of ARU (staff and students) before they begin working with animals to ensure they are familiar with the legal codes of conduct and key personnel who carry out specific roles associated with the legislation.

Our animal welfare standards are guided by relevant policies:

ARU is committed to maintaining currency of policy and practice with relevant legislation and guidelines.

Those involved in animal-related activities must have the necessary skills, experience, and training, and comply with relevant legislation, codes of conduct, and this policy. Animal welfare is monitored by:

  • Resource managers: Oversee the overall management of animal resources.
    • Equine Resource Manager [Cow Watering Campus]
    • Farm Manager [Sturgeons Farm]
    • Animal Unit Manager [Titchmarsh Centre]
  • Technical staff: Provide daily care and ensure the well-being of the animals.
  • Teaching staff and students: Engage with the animals during teaching activities and are responsible for adhering to welfare standards and notifying any concerns to the resource manager or technical staff or other person responsible for the animals being used.

All staff possess the necessary training and qualifications relevant to the subjects they teach, as evidenced by their professional background and experience. Currency is maintained through continuous professional development, ensuring that staff consistently update and enhance their skills and knowledge within their respective fields.

All students involved in animal care receive training in animal welfare and husbandry. They are educated on ethical practices and the importance of animal welfare as well as provided with training to undertake their studies involving animals safely.

All livestock units on the farm are Red Tractor certified. This certification mandates training on the correct administration of veterinary medicines, which is conducted by the local veterinary practice. Red Tractor complete animal welfare standard checks for the animal units.

The Equine Training and Development Centre is accredited by the National Equine Welfare Council.

Animal welfare concerns should be referred to the member of staff in charge of the activity or resource manager in the first instance and can be escalated to the Secretary and Clerks Office [email protected].

In the academic year 2023/2024, ARU carried only sub-threshold research. As part of our commitment to openness around animal research undertaken at ARU, see a full breakdown below.

Numbers used per year    2023/2024
 Fish 10
 Sheep 91 
 Goats 19 
 Pig   473
 Cows  20
 Horses  343
 Dogs  283
 Zoo animals (only observation studies)  40
 Total No of Animals  1279


Severity of Undertaken Procedures

At the end of the research, when no further scientific data are to be collected, the actual procedural impact can be determined and categorised. Actual severity must reflect the highest severity of the procedure, including any accumulation of lesser events.

Actual Severity - number of animals  2023/2024 
 Non-recovery  0
 Mild 0 
 Moderate 0 
 Severe 0 
 Sub-threshold 1279 
 Total 1279 

The Animals in Motion Laboratory develops research in the areas of animal biomechanics, exercise physiology and performance. Find out about the work of the Animals in Motion Laboratory.

CEQAS brings together ARU Writtle staff with animal and equine expertise. Group members specialise in many aspects of the study of farm and domestic animals and horses. Find out about the work of CEQAS.