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The Refinement Database curates scientific articles, books, and other publications.


The database, created and managed by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), is intended to provide the most up-to-date information on appropriate housing, husbandry, and care of research animals to improve or safeguard their welfare. Created in 2000, the database now contains more than 7,000 citations and is updated every three months.


  • Use the filters to search these publications by Animal Type or Topic.
  • Clicking on a parent category (e.g., Rodent) will include publications relating to all the items in that category.
  • You may also add a keyword to further narrow your search.
  • Most publications older than 2010 can only be searched by keyword.
Filter by Topic

Shows publications with ANY selected topic

Filter by Animal Type

Shows publications with ONLY selected animal type

Filter by Year Range
Keyword Search

Note: Most publications older than 2010 can only be searched by keyword.

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Use the search filters above to find refinement alternatives.

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