What is the role of maintaining temperature and humidity in laboratory animal welfare?

• A. They are regulated to maintain welfare; must be kept within specified ranges.
• B. They are optional adjustable by investigators.
• C. They only affect equipment performance.
• D. They are determined by external climate and not controlled.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining temperature and humidity is essential because these environmental conditions directly affect animal welfare and the reliability of study results. Keeping them within species-specific, prescribed ranges minimizes thermal and physiological stress, supports normal metabolism and immune function, and reduces problems like respiratory or skin issues that can arise from inappropriate levels. Regulators and animal care guidelines require facilities to monitor and control these parameters continuously and to document adherence, reflecting their importance for humane care and for reproducible science. Relying on external climate alone won’t ensure proper conditions inside the housing, since controlled systems are needed to maintain stable environments regardless of weather. When these conditions drift, animals can experience stress responses that alter behavior, growth, drug metabolism, and experimental outcomes.