Factors Affecting the Reproducibility of Animal Research

Explores the principles of research reproducibility and the intrinsic, environmental, and procedural factors that can influence the consistency and reliability of animal research.

INTERESTED? Demo Course
Scroll Down Arrow


About this Course

This course provides an overview of research reproducibility in studies involving animals and examines common sources of variability that can affect research outcomes. It introduces key reproducibility concepts and guidance, including the ARRIVE and PREPARE Guidelines, and considers the shared responsibilities of research and animal care personnel. Learners will explore extrinsic factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, housing, feed, water, enrichment, animal handling, and experimental procedures, as well as intrinsic factors including genotype, sex, age, social grouping, animal source, health status, and the microbiome. The course emphasizes consistent practices, careful study planning, and detailed documentation and reporting as strategies for strengthening the rigor, transparency, and reproducibility of animal research.

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Animal Care and Facility Staff, Facilities Management, IACUC Members, Investigators, Research Administrators, Research Personnel, Students, Veterinarians

Organizational Subscription Price: Included in Animal Care and Use (ACU) Advanced series, available as part of a Make Your Own base subscription or as a subscription add-on for $675 per year/per site for government and non-profit organizations or $750 per year/per site for for-profit organizations.
Independent Learner Price: $99 per person


Course Content

Background on Research Reproducibility

Introduces foundational concepts related to reproducibility in animal research and explains their importance to scientific confidence, public trust, and translational impact. The module reviews key recommendations and resources, including the NIH Animal Research Working Group Report, the ARRIVE Guidelines, the PREPARE Guidelines, and the SYRCLE Risk of Bias Tool. It also examines how animal care personnel, facility managers, veterinary staff, researchers, and IACUC members contribute to rigorous, transparent, and reproducible research.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22687 (English)
Author(s): Mark Suckow, DVM, DACLAM - University of Kentucky (Emeritus)

Extrinsic Factors Affecting Research Reproducibility

Examines extrinsic factors that can introduce variability and affect the reproducibility of animal research. The module explores macroenvironmental and microenvironmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, ventilation, housing, feed, water, bedding, enrichment, and cage maintenance. It also considers how animal handling, personnel practices, and experimental procedures can influence animal well-being and research outcomes, emphasizing the importance of consistency and thorough documentation.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22688 (English)
Author(s): Mark Suckow, DVM, DACLAM - University of Kentucky (Emeritus)

Intrinsic Factors Affecting Research Reproducibility

Examines intrinsic factors that may influence research outcomes and complicate efforts to reproduce findings. The module addresses genotype, strain and substrain, sex, age, social grouping, animal source, health status, and the microbiome. It emphasizes careful animal selection, consistent husbandry and care practices, and accurate reporting of animal characteristics and interventions as strategies for reducing variability and strengthening research reproducibility.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22689 (English)
Author(s): Mark Suckow, DVM, DACLAM - University of Kentucky (Emeritus)


Learn More

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your Name(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
I'd Like To Receive Emails From CITI Program