Overview

We are excited to announce that our Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Mark van Proctor, will be presenting at the upcoming Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association (ANZLAA) conference. His presentation will delve into the innovative implementation of three integrated technology systems at Ozgene, designed to optimize colony management and enhance animal welfare by adhering to the 3Rs principles—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.

Key Presentation Highlights

1. Vivarium Management Solution (VMS) and Colony Planning (COP) Systems:
2. • Purpose: These systems manage animal colonies and breeding programs.
   • Functionality: By using JAX algorithms, these tools automate breeding processes and monitor the performance of various strains, ensuring that the breeding and colony management processes are both efficient and effective.

2. Breeding Automation and Strain Performance Monitoring:
   • Key benefits: Automated breeding protocols help in identifying the purposes of animals at different life stages (sexing and weaning), retiring unproductive animals, and maintaining optimal health and welfare conditions.
   • Outcome: This automation leads to timely actions, such as euthanasia when necessary, thereby improving overall animal welfare and reducing unnecessary animal use.
3. VMS and OzFlow Systems for Technician Efficiency:
   • Task allocation: These systems assist vivarium technicians by prioritizing tasks based on their importance and the technicians’ skill levels.
   • Compliance: Enhanced efficiency not only optimizes daily operations but also ensures compliance with AAALAC standards, as these systems maintain detailed records of all activities, including non-animal-related tasks.

Challenges and Successes

Mark will also discuss the challenges faced during the implementation of these integrated systems and how they were overcome. The presentation will highlight how these technologies have not only streamlined Ozgene’s operations but also contributed significantly to improving animal welfare and compliance standards across our facilities in Perth and Indianapolis.

About the Speaker

Mark van Proctor, the Chief Technology Officer at Ozgene, has over 20 years of experience in leveraging technology to enhance business operations and animal welfare in the biomedical sector. His leadership and vision have been pivotal in driving Ozgene’s technological advancements, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation in animal welfare and colony management. Mark holds an MBA with Distinction and a Bachelor of Computer Science from The University of Western Australia.

Event Details

• Title: Innovating Animal Welfare and Colony Management: Integrated Technology Systems at Ozgene
• Tracks: Innovation, Welfare
• Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
• Time: 1:20 PM – 2:05 PM
• Location: Hall C, Room E2+E3

This presentation will provide valuable insights into how technology can revolutionize colony management while promoting ethical practices in animal research. Mark’s expertise and the lessons learned from Ozgene’s experience will offer attendees a unique perspective on implementing and managing technology systems to improve both operational efficiency and animal welfare.