The National Laboratory Animal Centre

National Laboratory Animal Center (NLAC) of the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow was declared open on 12th January, 1952 by Prof Arthur Stoll, the then president of Sandoz (Now Novartis) of Switzerland. The facility is presently engaged in breeding and experimentation of rodents and non-rodents within the acts and provisions of the CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals), Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Govt. of India (Registration Number 34/GO/ReBiBt-S/Re-L/99 CPCSEA).

The facility is GLP compliant for conducting toxicity and safety pharmacology studies under the regulatory ambit of NGCMA, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The facility strictly adheres to the principle of 4Rs (reduce, refine, replacement, rehabilitation) in animal experimentation. The in-vivo experimentations, animal health and well-being are monitored by trained technicians, experienced scientists and veterinarians.

• Breeding, production and supply of healthy and defined animals for IAEC approved biomedical research programmes of CSIR-CDRI and CPCSEA registered external institutions.

• Animal health monitoring and quality control through genetic, microbiological, pathological, parasitological and radiological screening of animals.

• Human resource development programmes through conduction of training courses, symposiums/workshops/seminars in the area of laboratory animal science and welfare.

• Publication and distribution of scientific literature/ newsletter on contemporary issues of lab animals.

• Generation of substantial revenue through animal sales and supplies.

• Acting as Referral Canter for Scientific and Technical advisory on development of research animals.

• Breeding Unit for in-house and external supply.

• Experimental Unit for general experimentation of institutional scientists.

• GLP Test Facility for toxicity and safety pharmacology studies

• Nutrition Unit

• Non-Human Primate Unit

• Health and Genetic Monitoring Laboratories

Monitoring of health and genetic integrity is essential for producing high quality infection free laboratory animals for research, development and animal welfare. We routinely perform genetic and health screenings and have an extensive and targeted quality control approach consisting of:

• Genetic Monitoring by SSLP and biochemical markers.

• Health monitoring (ELISA based detections, microbial culture of animal feed, drinking water, bedding, floor swabs etc. ).

• Internal and external parasite monitoring.

• Gross necropsy and histopathology.

• The NLAC has four regular veterinarians for round the clock monitoring of animal health and well-being

NLAC is actively involved in Human Resource Developmental activities and conducts periodical trainings, workshops and lectures in areas of laboratory animal care, breeding, management, and experimental techniques. The centre is self-contained with its own demonstration rooms, laboratories and seminar halls for conducting trainings and workshops.

NLAC routinely carries out the following training programs:

• Certificate course Skill Development in Care, Management of Laboratory Animals & Experimental Techniques.

• Training course on laboratory animal care, breeding and management including animal handling and restraint, common procedures of sampling & dosing.

• Course on care and management of laboratory animals including animal quality control programmes.

• Summer project training.

• Scientific & Technical Skill Development Program on laboratory animal experimentation techniques for in-house research scholars.

• “JIGYASA” and other student motivational programmes for school and college students.

NLAC provides the following external services:

• Supply of research animals to CPCSEA registered animal facilities against valid IAEC approved experiments

• Animal health and genetic monitoring services

• In-vivo experimental support within the ambit of institutional MoUs and collaborations

• Animal models of specific diseases, surgical models, etc.

Contact details for availing services:

Dr. Rajdeep Guha

Head, Laboratory Animal Division,

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute

Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031

Email: rajdeep.guha@cdri.res.in, Phone (office): 0522-2772472

Note: Faculties/PIs/Co-PIs/fellows of external institutions willing to procure research animals from CSIR-CDRI should forward email request only, with full details like Name, address, contact number of the person to whom invoice needs to be addressed, a copy of recent CPCSEA registration of their animal facility and IAEC approval against which animal are required.