Behavioral Monitoring VitalView is capable of monitoring input from lab animals using several types of switch closure sensors. These types of sensors are commonly used for recording subject behaviors simultaneously with temperature, gross motor activity and heart rate recordings. These types of behaviors can be monitored with VitalView: Running Wheel Turns Drinking/Licking Frequency Feeding Behavior Some sensors will require special caging arrangements. Behavioral monitoring is accomplished using Series 3000 data inputs through a DP-24 DataPort. Each DataPort is capable of accepting 24 channels of incoming data. Up to 10 DP-24 DataPorts may be combined in one VitalView System. Series 3000 and 4000 components may be used in the same VitalView system.

For a diagram of how these components may be assembled to form a system capable of meeting your needs, please download a VitalView brochure or fill out our information request form and we will send one to you.

Nalgene Running Wheel with cut away bottom

Running Wheel Turns Running Wheel Turns are recorded using a Magnetic Switch. The switch itself is mounted to the support frame of the running wheel. A magnet is attached to the wheel itself. As the wheel turns, the switch silently counts the number of times it is passed by the magnet. Running wheel turns may be recorded using our new Mini Mitter Running Wheels or Nalgene Running Wheels.

Drinking/Licking Frequency

Lick Sensing is an index of drinking behavior. It is accomplished by counting the number of times that the subject touches the water bottle nipple. This is accomplished whenever the subject completes a very low current electrical circuit between the water bottle nipple and a metal floor plate or wire grid floor.

The Mini Mitter lick sensor is a complete solution for this type of monitoring. It includes the floor plate, mounting brackets, water bottle and the special non-conductive coverings required for successful use. It is necessary to make a small modification to animal domicile cages in order to mount the lick sensor floor plate. 100 and 250 ml water bottles are available.

Feeding Behavior

Our Infrared Feeding Monitors are positioned over a Nalgene Feeding Assembly so whenever the subject moves to feed, an infrared beam is broken. The number of times that this beam is broken provides feeding frequency information while the period of time that the beam is broken provides feeding bout duration information. This combination provides an index of feeding behavior.

Infrared feeding monitors are designed for use with Nalgene Feeding Assemblies. These assemblies come as a standard part of Nalgene Metabolic Cages or may be fit to Customized Nalgene Domicile Cages.

For a diagram of how these components may be assembled to form a system capable of meeting your needs, please download our VitalView brochure* or fill out our information request form and we will send one to you.


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