Policy for Use of Avian Embryos

University Animal Care and Use Committee
San Francisco State University

All use of vertebrate animals in research, teaching and testing is regulated by the University Animal Care and Use Committee (UACUC). Avian embryos are not considered live animals by U.S. regulatory agencies and many universities do not regulate their use in research. Nonetheless, there is a consensus in the scientific community that avian embryos greater than two thirds of the way to hatching can experience pain. If avian embryos hatch, intentionally or unintentionally, they are live vertebrate animals and are regulated by the UACUC. Consequently, the SFSU UACUC has adopted the following guidelines. Chick embryos are considered the model species. If other avian species are used, then the guidelines should be adjusted based on relative time to hatching.

1) Investigators using avian embryos must complete the Animal Protocol Form cover page and follow the directions for avian embryos. This form will record your use of avian embryos for the UACUC. If embryos will be sacrificed prior to 3 days before hatching, the research will not be subject to full UACUC review unless specifically requested by the investigator. Studies using embryos within three days of hatching or hatchlings must be reviewed by the normal UACUC procedure for vertebrate animals.

2) Chick embryos younger than embryonic day 15 (E15) are assumed to be unable to experience pain. It is recommended that E14 or younger embryos be euthanized by hypothermia, typically by placing the eggs in a -20°C freezer.

3) Chick embryos from E15 to E18 can experience pain and should be euthanized by decapitation or other rapid and humane method.

4) Embryos E19 and older must be euthanized by humane methods such as C02, anesthetic agents or decapitation. It should be noted that embryos are resistant to C02. If this method is chosen, the embryos must be exposed to 90% C02 for at least 20 min. Dry ice is unacceptable as a source of C02 for euthanasia.

5) The UACUC recognizes that inadvertent hatching may occur. Investigators are asked to describe their methods for humane euthanasia of hatchlings.

These guidelines are based on recommendations of ILAR, the NIH intramural recommendations for rodent neonates, and the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia.

Download the Avian Embryo Use Summary Application in PDF or Word.