Metabolic Cage for Mice and Hampsters

Here is a metabolic system that answers the need for uncontaminated specimen samples – It separates feces and urine to 99% efficiency The system is designed with total part interchangeability, a major asset when multi-unit testing programs are in progress. Component parts are made of polycarbonate and stainless steel, a distinct advantage over glass units which require careful handling to avoid breakage. All parts below the cage floor are removable without disturbance to the animal being tested. This allows for tests to be conducted over a prolonged period of time without interruptions caused by animal reacclimation. Total accessibility to the separation area allows for removal of adhered pellets, invaluable in animal research. In the actual operation of the system, it is remarkably simple. Animal waste is directed by the collection funnel onto the top end of the defusser, which then allows solid matter to travel down the ridge tops of the grid. It then passes over the urine port into the fecal collection vessel. Liquid waste flows between the grid grooves into the urine port and then enters the urine collection vessel. A deflector gate prevents large amounts of urine from splashing over the urine port, avoiding contamination of the fecal specimen.