Modular Metabolic Cage

The M3 is a system that is both modular and integrated, and it is designed to be used in specially adapted, autoclavable home cages to study respiratory metabolism (O2 consumption/CO2 production), food and drink intake, activity, and rearing measurements.

Indirect calorimetry, which is specifically designed for laboratory animals, is employed to assess respiratory metabolism. The M3 is equipped with sensors that are both highly accurate and stable, including a laser diode for O2 and infrared spectroscopy for CO2 with a resolution of 0.01%.

The chamber sample is sent to the gas analyzer for O2 and CO2 analysis, and the air flow and switching units enable precise regulation of the air flow within the chambers. Each cage is equipped with an independent flow control system, which allows for a maximum of 20 liters per minute. This enables the conduct of concurrent experiments with animals of varying sizes using a single gas analyzer and flow controller.

Our high-precision extensiometric weight transducers are employed to assess food/drink intake and activity. This technology enables the continuous evaluation of the consumption of animal food and drink, as well as spontaneous activity, with the highest level of accuracy and stability, with a precision of 0.02g for food and 0.01g for liquid. Two external dispensers may be accommodated in each cage. The system is highly adaptable to a wide range of research requirements, as it can accommodate one food and one drink or two foods and two drinks. Additional food and drink access can be achieved by employing our standard wire bar lid. The system footprint is reduced by the placement of transducers and amplifiers in our custom-designed platform, which is situated beneath the home cage. An additional Infrared (IR) frame connected to the system is all that is necessary for rearing assessment.