Which of the following is a requirement for research animals under the Animal Welfare Act?

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets forth specific standards for the care and treatment of research animals, ensuring their well-being and humane treatment. One of the critical requirements under the AWA is proper nutrition, which speaks to the basic needs of animals used in research. This stipulation emphasizes that all research animals must receive adequate and appropriate food that meets their physiological needs to maintain their health and well-being.

Proper nutrition is crucial not only for the animals’ physical health but also for the validity of research findings. Animals that are malnourished can exhibit altered behavior and physiological responses, which can negatively impact the outcomes of research studies.

While other aspects such as regular exercise, access to entertainment devices, and social interactions are significant for the overall welfare of research animals, they are not explicitly mandated by the AWA in the same way that proper nutrition is. These components can enhance the quality of life for animals in research settings, but the foundational requirement for an animal's basic care is ensuring they receive adequate nutritional support.