title: Disposable plastic rodent feeders for use in an automated filling system.
abstract: Rodent feeder devices are often made of reusable, sanitizable materials such as glass and stainless steel. As part of an initiative at the authors' facility to automate the feeder filling process, disposable plastic feeding cups were proposed as a preferable alternative to standard feeders for use in a filling machine. The authors tested and validated designs for rodent meal-type feeder assemblies that incorporated plastic cups. Assemblies included stainless steel shields that prevented rats and mice from chewing on the plastic cups while allowing them full access to food. The use of disposable feeder cups that are filled and sealed automatically reduces labor associated with sanitation, enables staff to prepare feeders for several weeks in advance and limits personnel contact with feed that may contain harmful chemicals.
authors: Pfizer, Inc., 700 Chesterfield Parkway, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA. james.d.toler@pfizer.com
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Toler
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Gleason
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Clare
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Buckham
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: DeWit
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory / Q000502:physiology*; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000662:veterinary*; D005248:Feeding Methods / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010969:Plastics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012377:Rodentia / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics