Animal experimentation at ETH Zurich

Mice

Mice play a central role in scientific research. They are the most commonly used laboratory animal, including at ETH Zurich. Mice offer many advantages that make them ideal model organisms: they share around 95 percent of their genes with humans, which means that many biological processes and mechanisms responsible for the development of diseases in humans are identical in mice. This makes mice an ideal candidate  for research into human diseases. At ETH Zurich, around 80 percent of mice are used in fundamental research experiments ¨C such as studying the complex interactions between cells and organs. Many research groups also focus on the mechanisms involved in the development of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

The mouse genome has been fully decoded, which has enabled scientists to inbreed a large number of strains with specific genetic variants. These mouse models are invaluable as they allow us to understand the mechanisms of disease at a molecular level. By modifying specific genes, researchers can understand how these genes contribute to disease development and progression. These models are also used to test new treatments, significantly advancing our understanding of diseases and the development of innovative therapies.

Rats

Like mice, rats are genetically and physiologically very similar to humans, making them excellent models for studying human diseases. As rats are larger, carrying out certain experimental procedures on rats is easier than on mice. At ETH Zurich, rats are used primarily in orthopaedic and neuroscience research.

Songbirds

Some research groups at ETH Zurich are working with birds to find answers to their research questions. For instance, zebra finches are used to understand the basic mechanisms of language acquisition. The advantage of using these birds is that they learn their song very similar to how humans learn a language.

Fish

In the field of hydraulic engineering, ETH Zurich researchers are investigating the impact of river power plants and reservoirs on the behaviour and survival of salmon, trout and eels. A key focus is the effect of rapidly changing water levels caused by power plants and reservoirs. Researchers are also developing innovative fish guidance racks to protect fish during their downstream migration past power plant facilities. All this work contributes to our better understanding of the ecological consequences of human intervention in river systems and the protection of fish habitats.

Large animals: cattle, pigs and deer

Large animals account for only a small proportion of the laboratory animals used in research at ETH Zurich. They are kept on a farm and are used mainly in livestock-related research projects. Key focuses are on improving our understanding of how livestock utilise feed efficiently and how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wild animals are also studied ¨C research is performed into the social structure and reproductive biology of deer, for example.

The ETH Phenomics Center (EPIC) is a modern, centrally organised research and service facility  for experimental research involving laboratory mice and rats at ETH Zurich.  EPIC offers researchers laboratories and other infrastructure for animal research, which are available to all ETH research groups. The centre meets the latest international standards for the high-quality housing of laboratory rodents. A dedicated team of animal caretakers, veterinarians and other specialists ensure the animals¡¯ welfare, provide research support and collaborate with the ETH life sciences research community in the development of new technologies.