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I. Purpose

Research and teaching activities using embryonated avian eggs require IACUC oversight under certain circumstances and always require humane euthanasia regardless of stage of development.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in the acquisition, incubation, or disposition of embryonated avian eggs for research or teaching.

III. General Information

Avian embryos are not considered live animals by U.S. regulatory agencies, although Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) expects institutions to have policies and procedures in place that address the care or euthanasia of animals that hatch unexpectedly. Consequently, the IACUC has adopted the following guidelines for all avian species, requiring an IACUC protocol for work involving embryos at or beyond 75% of each species' expected incubation period. Domestic chicken embryos, which hatch in approximately 21 days, are considered the model species. If other avian species are used, the guidelines should be adjusted based on relative time to hatch for that species.

IV. Guidance

The IACUC requires submission of a complete animal use protocol for projects utilizing pre-hatched avian embryos at or beyond 75% of each species' expected incubation period (e.g., chicken eggs on or after embryonic day 15), and any use of embryonated eggs that will subsequently be allowed to hatch.

V. Exceptions

Chicken embryos less than 15 days of gestation are not considered live animals, and their use is not subject to IACUC review. Investigators planning to use chicken embryos of 15 days of age or younger should provide the following information to the IACUC.

  • Justification for the use of embryos.
  • A statement of the age of embryos that will be used.
  • Where the embryos will be used and who will work with them.
  • Where the eggs will be obtained.
  • Euthanasia method for embryos ≤15 days gestation.
  • A statement that the IACUC will be informed if any embryos accidentally hatch.
  • Euthanasia method for accidental hatching embryos consistent with AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.

 

 

IACUC Approval Date: 6/24/2026

Review Date: 6/24/2026

Issue Date: 6/30/2026