Common laboratory animals used in drug development include rodents like mice and rats as well as non-rodents. Non-rodent models discussed in the document include rabbits, monkeys, cats, dogs, frogs, zebrafish, chickens, and pigeons. Rabbits are used for pyrogen testing due to their resistance to atropine. Monkeys such as rhesus monkeys and squirrel monkeys are used due to their similarity to humans, though squirrel monkeys are smaller making them easier to handle. Cats and dogs are also used for research due to their similarities to humans. Frogs have provided a new class of antibiotic compounds and zebrafish are used for genetic research due to external fertilization. Chick

1. Common laboratory animals used in Drug
Development
Part- II
Dr. K. Manohar Babu
VJ’s College of Pharmacy
Rajamahendravaram

2. Contents
Types of animal models
Non Rodent Animal Models
Rabbit
Monkey
Cat
Dog
Miscellaneous
Frog
Zebra Fish
Chicken
Pigeon

3. INTRODUCTION
Physiologically and Anatomically there is a similarity
between the humans and animals at organs and organ
systems, which function in a similar fashion.
This similarity makes animals ideal models for the study
and development of products and techniques for humans.

4. Animals used
in Research
Mammals
Rodents
Non Rodents
Miscellaneous
Mice, Rat, Guinea pig, Hamsters
Rabbit, Dog, Cat, Monkey
Pigeon, Zebra fish, Chicken

6. Non Rodents Animals
 Rabbit
 Monkey
 Cat
 Dog

7. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Domestic rabbits (2-3kg) are used for pyrogen testing.
one of the peculiar thing about rabbits is that they are resistant to the
action of atropine as they contain atropinesterase enzyme, the presence of
which is genetically determined.
Some of the tissue or organs from rabbits used are heart, aorta, duodenum
and ileum.

8. Gestation : 30-33 days
Parturition = Kindling
Weaning : 4-6 weeks
Offspring
NZW : 8-10 kits
Dutch : 5-6 kits
Ovulation : Coitus Induced
Estrus : Continuous
Lifespan
NZW : 5-6+ years
Dutch : 5-10+ years

9. Use of Rabbit in Research
 Development of Rabis vaccine
 Bio assay of Diabetes drugs
 Hypertension
 Glaucoma
 Eye and ear infection
 Testing of Anti fertility agents
 Testing of cosmetics using Draize test

11. Rhesus monkey

12. Squirrel monkey
• Squirrel monkeys are small in size and ease of handling
that contribute to their desirability as research subjects.
• The mean body weight of adult squirrel monkeys is less
than 1 kg compared with female rhesus monkeys, which
usually weigh 4 – 5 kg.
• Smaller doses necessary sp. Expensive medications
• easily adapt to laboratory housing

13. CAT (Felis catus)

14. DOG (Canis familiaris)

15. Miscellaneous Animals
 Frog
 Zebra Fish
 Chicken
 Pigeon

16. FROG (Rana tigrine)
New class of antibiotic compounds in
frog skin called magainins .

17. ZEBRA FISH (Danio reiro)

18. CHICKEN (Gallus gallus)

19. PIGEON (Columbia livia)