Two apparatus for detection of motility and water consumption of rodents.
Two apparatus for time sequences data acquisition are described. The first is designed for detection of motility. It acts according to the principle of inertia. Movements of animal are transmitted to a plate supported by steel balls with a minimal resistance. Horizontal oscillations are detected using an electro-optical system. Very weak movements can be recorded. The second indirectly records feeding behavior (water intake) using also an optical detection of the air bubble passing through the glass-tube of the feeding-bottle. The long-term stability, accuracy and sensitivity of the apparatus are discussed. Examples of application are quoted.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004326:Drinking; D009043:Motor Activity; D009482:Neurophysiology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012377:Rodentia