Research grant to improve animal welfare

Researcher Ana Maria Valentim has recently been awarded a grant from the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) valued at approximately €25,000. The funded project aims to enhance the use of analgesics for pain relief in zebrafish and to test new combinations.

Titled "Analgesics Absorption and Elimination: The Path to Improve Prolonged Analgesia in Zebrafish", this project, led by Ana Maria Valentim from the Laboratory Animal Science group, will concentrate on the welfare of zebrafish as a model for scientific research. Alongside Ana Maria Valentim, the team includes i3S researcher Anna Olsson and researchers Luís Antunes, Carlos Venâncio, and Luís Félix from UTAD.

"We will begin by assessing the effectiveness of the analgesics currently in use for relieving pain following a common laboratory procedure—fin cutting, which then regenerates," explains Valentim. “Given that pain and analgesics can influence fish behaviour and physiology, we also aim to identify any adverse side effects,” she adds.

Valentim continues, “this research will assist us in finding the most effective pain relief methods, reducing behavioural and physiological side effects, and improving the well-being of zebrafish.” According to her, “By applying the best veterinary practices, we will also enhance the reliability of zebrafish as a research model, leading to more robust scientific data.”

The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine advocates for the humane treatment and responsible use of laboratory animals through the certification of veterinary specialists, professional development, education, and research.