Which of the following are NOT allowed by USDA?

The correct choice identifies that changes in animal ownership are not allowed by the USDA. This is primarily due to regulations that govern the care and use of animals in research. The USDA has strict guidelines regarding the transfer and ownership of animals to ensure consistent welfare standards and compliance with federal regulations.

Maintaining clear and stable ownership is critical for accountability, monitoring, and ensuring the continuity of care. When ownership changes, there can be gaps in care documentation, accountability, and compliance with IACUC protocols, potentially jeopardizing the wellbeing of the animals involved in research.

In contrast, administering pain relief, non-invasive observational studies, and postoperative recovery assessments are all practices that support animal welfare. Pain relief is crucial for ethical treatment and reduces suffering. Non-invasive observational studies are often promoted as they minimize distress to the animals while still providing valuable scientific data. Lastly, postoperative recovery assessments are essential for ensuring that animals are healing properly after interventions, again reflecting an ethical commitment to animal welfare.