Modular animal research cage ColonyRack

on casters

The ColonyRack is an innovative system for the automated tracking of a large number of mice. A standard cage rack is equipped with interconnecting tubes that allow the passage of animals through all cages in the rack. All tubes have RFID transponder readers that will record each passage of a tagged animal with time and position. The system operates 24/7 for extended periods of time producing accurate data about the movement of all animals contained in the system. Detailed maps and patterns of movement are derived from these data sets. Long term studies about the change in general activity, social interaction, and movement patterns become possible. The ColonyRack was developed in close cooperation with the group of Prof. Dr. Gerd Kempermann at the DZNE, Dresden. 8, 18, or 70 cages in standardized rack mounts Interconnecting tubes between all cages and levels RFID readers at each connection Micro-controllers and PC for data acquisition All cages and tubes are easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance. Customized systems with different cages or number of cages are possible. 24/7 data acquisition Graphical user interface reporting detected individuals and position Continuous tracking of all transponder activities Open data format for easy import and analysis Long-term investigation of social groups of animals Animal friendly enrichment conditions Monitoring of changes in activity, e.g. caused by aging Animal friendly Easy to operate, clean, and maintain Reliable long-term data