Rethink farm animal production: The 3Rs

Any scientist working with animals is familiar with the “3Rs”—replacement, reduction, and refinement (1). Replacement refers to using alternative methods instead of live animals. Reduction requires using the minimum number of animals. Refinement demands the optimization of experimental techniques, housing, and care to safeguard animal welfare. The 3Rs led to a paradigm shift in guiding the use of animals in research, through legislation or institutional review committees worldwide. The model could be similarly effective if applied to farm animal production.