Method for simultaneous investigation of feeding and drinking behaviours and renal excretory function in small animals.
A new construction of individual metabolism cage for small laboratory animals with recording devices for registration of feeding and drinking behaviours is described. Using this metabolism cage, the method is elaborated with the following advantages: 1. Simultaneous studying of food and water intake and renal excretory function; 2. Twenty-four hour registration of feeding and drinking for investigation of their circadian rhythms and their efficiency as behavioural acts; 3. Collection of urine samples non-contaminated with food and faeces. The metabolism cage and recording devices are inexpensive, easy to prepare and to handle.
D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004327:Drinking Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000295:instrumentation*