Which of the following is likely NOT part of an endpoint policy?

The endpoint policy in the context of animal research is designed to establish guidelines for determining when an animal's involvement in a study should be concluded, particularly in relation to humane treatment and welfare. This policy typically focuses on criteria directly associated with the well-being of the animals involved in research, such as methods of euthanasia, the severity of pain experienced by the animal, and criteria for assessing overall animal health.

Methods of euthanasia are a critical part of ensuring that any procedures related to an animal's endpoint align with humane practices. Qualifying the severity of pain is essential for making informed decisions regarding the welfare of the animals, and criteria for assessing animal health directly relates to determining their well-being throughout the research process.

In contrast, the number of animals approved for research deals more with the protocol approval process and logistical considerations rather than direct policies regarding endpoints for individual animals. Therefore, while the approved number of animals is important for study design and ethical review, it is less relevant to the specific humanitarian and welfare criteria typically outlined in endpoint policies.