A cost-effective high-throughput digital system for observation and acquisition of animal behavioral data.
We have designed and implemented a low-cost digital system using closed-circuit television cameras coupled to a digital acquisition system for the recording of in vivo behavioral data in rodents and for allowing observation and recording of more than 10 animals simultaneously at a reduced cost, as compared with commercially available solutions. This system has been validated using two experimental rodent models: one involving chemically induced seizures and one assessing appetite and feeding. We present observational results showing comparable or improved levels of accuracy and observer consistency between this new system and traditional methods in these experimental models, discuss advantages of the presented system over conventional analog systems and commercially available digital systems, and propose possible extensions to the system and applications to nonrodent studies.
University of Reading, Reading, England.
Jonathan A
JA
Farrimond
Andrew J
AJ
Hill
Nicholas A
NA
Jones
Gary J
GJ
Stephens
Benjamin J
BJ
Whalley
Claire M
CM
Williams
D000818:Animals; D001331:Automation; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D035841:Behavioral Research / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012984:Software; D014741:Video Recording