2016
The number of animals that were used in research by species in 2016.
In 2016, the University used 203,285 animals in research. The vast majority of these were rodents, predominantly mice and rats (81.5%), and fish (16.2%). Client-owned pet dogs were involved in studies at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies aimed at improving care for sick animals. (See: Vitamin d in study spotlight).
| Species | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Rodents | 165,774 | 81.5% |
| Fish | 32,907 | 1.7% |
| Birds | 3,393 | 1.7% |
| Agricultural species (cattle, sheep, pigs. This figure includes sheep and deer monitored in the wild) | 1057 | 0.5% |
| Frogs | 92 | <0.1% |
| Dogs (client-owned pets taking part in studies at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies) | 36 | <0.1% |
| Red squirrels (monitored in the wild) | 26 | <0.1% |
These figures are calculated each year based on data from annual returns that are prepared for the Home Office by every Project Licence holder.