Equipment: DEVELOPMENT

About

The developmental tests offered on the ANIMEX platform allow us to follow the developmental stages of mice from birth to weaning and to detect any delays or, on the contrary, any premature acquisition of skills in the animals.
Devices available on the platform:

• Olfactory preference testYoung mice are able to orient themselves in space to reach their nest. They detect its presence using olfactory cues. The speed at which the mouse reaches its nest is an indicator of its development.
  • Number of devices: 2
• Cliff testMouse pups detect the presence of a void thanks to the sensitivity of their whiskers. The speed at which they recoil when their head has been placed beyond the edge of a small platform is an indicator of development.
  • Number of devices: 1
• ReversalA mouse pup placed on its back will reflexively turn over to regain support on its four paws. The speed at which this turning is performed is an indicator of development.
  • Number of animals tested at one time: 1
• Negative geotaxisThe apparatus used in the negative geotaxy test is an inclined plane on which the mouse pups are placed head down. By reflex, the animals turn around to end up head up. The speed at which this turn is performed represents the developmental index considered in this test.
  • Number of devices: 1
• Recording of ultrasonic vocalizationsMouse pups communicate with their mothers by emitting vocalizations in the ultrasonic spectrum. These vocalizations follow a well-characterized development over time, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Recording them therefore allows for the detection of developmental abnormalities.
  • Number of devices: 4