Refinement refers to the modification of experimental procedures to minimize pain, suffering, and distress to the animals used. This includes better housing, care, and handling of animals, as well as the use of anesthesia and analgesia to reduce discomfort.
Why is refinement crucial? Beyond the ethical imperative, reducing stress and suffering in animals can lead to more reliable scientific results. Stress can affect biological responses, thereby impacting the validity of the data collected. Therefore, refinement not only benefits the animals but also enhances the scientific outcomes.
