Abstract: Objective To evaluate 4Rs principle applied in animal experiments for research and to optimize training outcomes with animal model. Methods The 4Rs principle was applied in four parts of training process with animal models including “replacing animal experiments with human physiological experiments” “integrating experimental projects, reducing the use of animals” “optimizing experimental process for minimizing animal suffering” and “strengthening ethical concepts, responsibility in research with experimental animals”. After class, feedbacks from students were collected through questionnaire survey and the data was analyzed. Results There were 92.0% medical students showed sympathize for the laboratory animals in the process of animal experiments; took care of the welfare of experimental animals while achieving training objectives. Conclusions The 4Rs principle provides a new idea and method for animal experiment and cultivates learners' animal ethics.

Key words: 4Rs principle, animal ethics, medical education