Table 1.

Schematic compilation of traits and possible challenges to consider when planning to use an animal model2, 6, 11

Model's trait/ challenge	Purpose/approach
Animal's kinship to humans	Defining the level of proximity to human's physiology; Assessing bioethical implications.
Genetic mechanisms; Existence of biomarkers	Setting research methods to address the objectives.
Lifespan	Defining study timeline.
Gender	Determining reproductive features.
Age	Assessing skeletal maturity.
Behavior and aggressivity level	Defining biosecurity status; Defining staff levels of expertise.
Tolerance to captivity; Ease of handling	Defining biosecurity status; Defining staff levels of expertise.
Adult body size; Activity level	Defining housing resources; Minimum space required per animal.
Zoonotic potential; Immunological features	Defining biosecurity level.
Nutritional requirements	Planning nutritional intake.
Special food; Lighting; Flooring requirement	Addressing individual needs; Defining cost budgets.
Calculating power sample	Defining the appropriate number of animals per group; Defining number of in‐house staff.
Summing up all potential costs	Defining cost budgets; assessing available funds; Applying for research grants.