True or false: The largest proportion of costs associated with operating an animal facility relate to personnel.

The assertion that the largest proportion of costs associated with operating an animal facility relates to personnel is accurate. In most animal research settings, personnel costs typically encompass salaries, benefits, and training expenses for the staff responsible for animal care, husbandry, and research compliance. These costs generally represent the most significant budget items because a well-trained workforce is critical to ensure animal welfare, uphold ethical standards, and maintain regulatory compliance, which are all essential aspects of operating an animal facility.

While other factors, such as equipment, housing, food, and veterinary care, also contribute to the overall operating expenses of an animal facility, it is personnel management and support that usually constitutes the majority of expenses. The other choices reflect circumstances that can influence costs but do not negate the overall trend that personnel costs are predominantly high.