Design of the Animal Experiment Research Plan manipulations required to A description of the experimental address the problem statement. objectives. and hypotheses should be carefully devised and documented (Keppel 1991) variables This description should specify the experimental suitable test parameters that that are to be manipulated. accurately assess the effects of experimental variable ma- methods for sample nipulation, and the most appropriate acquisition and generation of the test data. The overall prac- in ticality of the project as well as the time frame for data collection and evaluation are determined at this stage in the development process. Practical issues that may need to be addressed include the lifespan of the animal model (for chronic studies), the progression of disease in that model to deter- anticipated mine appropriate time points for evaluation), the amount of personnel time available for the project. and the costs asso- ciated with performing the experiments (De Boer et al. 1975). If the animals are to receive chemical or biological treatments, an appropriate method for administration must be identified (eg, per os via the diet or in drinking water Isoluble substances only]. by osmotic pump, or by injec- tion). Known or potential hazards must also be identified, and appropriate precautions to minimize risk from these hazards must be incorporated into the plan. All experimental procedures should be detailed through standard operatin procedures, a requirement of good laboratory practice stan n- dards (EPA 1989, FDA 1987). Finally, the methods to be used for data analysis should