About the Agricultural Animal Care Subcommittee

The Agriculture Animal Care Subcommittee is comprised of representatives from the College of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences , the College of Veterinary Medicine , and the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers.

Also serving on the Subcommittee are a student representative, farmer member, farm unit staff, and representatives from the IACUC and Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Representatives have familiarity with and expertise in the production and husbandry practices utilized with typical farm animals (dairy/beef cattle, swine, poultry, horses, and sheep). These animals are housed on the University of Minnesota campuses at St. Paul, Morris, and Crookston, and at the Research and Outreach Centers.

The primary function of the subcommittee includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Review and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each unit, and review changes to these procedures on an annual basis.
• Conduct semi-annual inspections of all agricultural animal units;
• Review inspection reports, identifying major and minor violations in animal care;
• Consult with the IACUC on issues of non-compliance concerning the use of agricultural animals; and
• Assist in providing education and information to agricultural animal units and staff.

The subcommittee meets semi-annually, typically following completion of the inspections and prior to the IACUC semi-annual review meeting.