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International 3Rs Prize now open for applications. £30k prize (£2k personal award) for outstanding science with demonstrable 3Rs impacts.

NC3Rs | 20 Years: Pioneering Better Science
Project grant

Non-invasive identification of individual Xenopus by photography and image processing

Three frogs on top a container

At a glance

Completed
Award date
October 2007 - November 2009
Grant amount
£59,194
Principal investigator
Professor Matthew Guille

Co-investigator(s)

  • Mr Mark Dunsford
  • Professor Elizabeth Jones
Institute
University of Portsmouth

R

  • Refinement

Application abstract

Recent developments in Xenopus transgenic techniques and mutagenesis screens have led to many more strains becoming available and therefore a greater need to identify individual frogs for a variety of reasons. These include improving husbandry information and keeping frogs of multiple genotypes in sufficiently large groups that they feel protected and exhibit normal feeding behaviour. Previous identification techniques (examples included freeze branding, toe clipping, threading tags through the skin and implanting microchips in the dorsal lymph sac) were generally effective but, considering that the animals are normally only used for breeding, probably unacceptable in terms of harm. Our preliminary data suggest that the individuals can be identified using digital imaging and machine vision techniques. We can measure the pattern and hue profile of the backs of the animals and foot veination patterns. Our aims are to develop the identification system, decide whether a single measurement or a combination is needed to identify individual frogs, test whether the markings change over a 2 year period and validate the system at three sites. In the longer term we intend to develop a cost-effective and accurate, commercially available solution to frog identification.

Impacts