Behavioural tests for rats

Test for spatial learning and memory.

Test with two contextually different compartments for studies of conditioned place preference (CPP) or conditioned place avoidance (CPA).

Elevated plus maze test for studies of risk-taking behaviour/anxiety-like behavior.

A test to analyse locomotion. Number of footfalls or grips can be measured. The test can be adjusted from easy to hard level by removing steps.

Protocols for continuous, limited and intermittent voluntary alcohol intake or intake of liquid diets.

Test for nociceptive pain.

Motoric assessment of the ability of the animal to remain on a tilting plane.

For measurement of tail skin temperature (TST) in rats according to e.g. Ågren G et al., 2009 Physiol Behav.

Test for studies of avoidance of approaching a light compartment (anxiety-like behavior) or conditioned place preference (CPP).

Test battery including ultrasonic vocalisations upon separation from mother, home nest finding, novel cage exploration and threat-induced defensive freezing/immobilisation, respectively.

The novel object recognition test is based on the natural behaviour of animals to spend more time exploring a novel, rather than a familiar, object.

Open field test for studies of general locomotor activity and risk-taking behaviour/anxiety-like behaviour depending on level of illumination. Circular arena, diameter 90 cm, with the option to use a start cage enabling measures of latency in first entering the arena as well as duration of shelter seeking.

An operant or Skinner box is a device for experimental studies of animal behaviour, particularly learning and operant conditioning. The box consists of one box for each animal and mechanisms (e.g., levers or holes for nose poking) that the animal can use to provoke incidents. For example, the mechanism can be designed so that the animal is served food every time it touches a button. Can also be setup to deliver IV-self administration of drugs of abuse. 4 boxes available.

Test for spatial learning and memory. 8-arm radial maze.

Two sizes, can be used for immobilisation for injection, restraint/immobilisation stress etc.

Various possibilities for studies of sexual motivation and copulatory behaviour.

Various possibilities for studies of social interaction in adolescent ("play behaviour") and adult animals.

Test for nociceptive pain.

Test for spatial learning and memory in water.

Test for spontaneous alternation or rewarded alternation in a Y- or T-shaped maze.