Which of the following would NOT be accepted by an IACUC as the sole justification for performing multiple major survival surgeries?

The justification for performing multiple major survival surgeries must encompass a valid scientific rationale that aligns with ethical considerations in animal research. While scientific necessity and the advancement of research are strong justifications, they indicate that the experiments conducted are crucial for the validity and success of the research objectives. Addressing health concerns can also be a legitimate reason, particularly if the surgeries are intended to benefit the health and well-being of the animals involved.

Cost savings, however, do not represent an ethical or scientific justification for subjecting animals to multiple major procedures. The IACUC places a high priority on the humane treatment and welfare of animals, and financial considerations alone cannot outweigh the need to minimize the suffering and number of procedures animals endure. Therefore, proposals that view cost savings as a primary rationale would not meet the ethical standards required by the IACUC.