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Newsletter of IBF
Heidelberg University II/2026
Newsletter
– Current Information
Dear Users of the IBF,
with this newsletter, we would like to provide you with
current information and inform about procedural updates.
1. Use of the latest Forms
Please make sure to always use the updated versions of
our forms.
The currently valid forms, e.g. for animal welfare,
authorization applications, the pharmacy, and other topics, can be
found on the official websites of:
Please download the forms directly from these websites each
time and do not use locally stored forms or versions that were issued
some time ago.
Outdated forms may result in queries and unnecessary
additional work for everyone involved. Thank
you for helping to ensure that processes run as smoothly as possible.
2. Information on the Large
Animal Facility
In order to ensure that procedures and documentation in the large
animal facility are as consistent as possible, we kindly ask you to
prepare and submit a brief description of the
study/experiment for all ongoing and planned experiments.
The corresponding document can be found on the IBF-Formularseite under:
“KEB Form: Experiment Description”
Treatment Records (pigs)
In addition, treatment records will be made
available in the future. Please use these to document all
procedures and treatments carried out.
Animal Orders (pigs)
Another new requirement concerns the ordering of
animals:
In future, please indicate with each order how long
the animals are expected to remain at the facility, i.e. how long
they are expected to stay in the animal housing area.
This information will help us to better plan occupancy and the
associated procedures.
Thank you very much for your support and assistance in
implementing these measures!
3. Training Module “Surgical
Procedures”
The training module “Surgical Procedures” will
take place on: November 5 and November 18, 2026
Requirements for Participation
The requirements for participation are:
- registration on an experimental project
that includes surgical procedures, and
- proof of theoretical competence
in “Surgical Procedures.”
Registration
Please register by email at:
kristianna.becker@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Places will be allocated in the order in which
registrations are received.
Following successful registration, participants will receive
detailed information about the further procedure.
4. Animal Welfare: Malocclusion
and Breeding of Mice
Malocclusion – a Painful
Condition
Malocclusion of the incisors in mice is a painful condition
that can significantly impair the animals’ ability to eat.
Trimming the teeth causes stress and pain to
the animals and must be repeated every few days due to the rapid
growth of the teeth. Therefore, euthanasia of affected
animals is the most appropriate course of action from an animal
welfare perspective.
Affected animals should under no circumstances be used
for breeding or mated, as malocclusion can have a genetic basis
and may therefore be propagated within a breeding line.
Further Reasons Not to Breed
In addition to malocclusion, there are other conditions in
which animals should not be used for breeding. These include:
- small or absent eyes (microphthalmia/anophthalmia)
- dwarfism (growth
problems)
- generalized alopecia (absence of fur)
- stereotypic behavior
or behavioral disorders
- severely poor nutritional condition (cachexia)
- malformations
- illnesses or
injuries
Please Note:
Mice must not be used for breeding or mated if
any of the following conditions are present:
Please also take into account the general
conditions for breeding pairings.
Thank you for your attention and for your support in
implementing the measures outlined above.
We wish you a wonderful and sunny autumn!
Your IBF Team
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