Behavioral Observations
Objective: Observation of mice behavior during the dark phase of the circadian cycle in a controlled environment
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment2
1 item available from ConductScience
Estimated: $187.00
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links help support this free resource.
Protocol Steps
Obtain breeding pairs
Purchase BTBR, B6, FVB/NJ, and 129X1 breeding pairs from The Jackson Laboratory
Note: Breeding pairs obtained from Bar Harbor, ME
View evidence from paper
“BTBR, B6, FVB/NJ, and 129X1 breeding pairs were purchased from The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME)”
House mice in controlled environment
Place mice in standard wire-topped Plexiglas cages in a temperature and humidity controlled vivarium with ad libitum food and water access
Note: Lights on from 19:00 to 7:00 (dark phase from 7:00 to 19:00)
View evidence from paper
“Mice were housed in standard wire-topped Plexiglas cages (42 cm×27 cm×14 cm) in a temperature and humidity controlled vivarium, with food and water available ad libitum, with lights on from 19:00 to 7:00”
Monitor for pregnancy and delivery
Ten days after pairing for breeding, individually house females and inspect daily at 9:30 for pregnancy and delivery
Note: Day of birth designated as postnatal day (pnd) 0
View evidence from paper
“Ten days after pairing for breeding, the females were individually housed and subsequently inspected daily at 9:30 for pregnancy and delivery. The day of birth was considered as postnatal day (pnd) 0”
Conduct behavioral testing
Perform behavioral observations during the dark phase of the circadian cycle
Note: Testing conducted during dark phase when lights are off
View evidence from paper
“Behavioral testing was conducted between 9.30 and 14.00 h, during the dark phase of the circadian cycle”
Tattoo pups for identification
At two days of age (pnd 2), immediately after behavioral testing, tattoo pups on the paw. Load Ketchum permanent tattoo ink (green paste) into a 30G hypodermic needle and insert subcutaneously through the needle tip into the center of the paw
Note: Procedure causes only minor brief pain and distress; anesthesia not required
View evidence from paper
“Pups were tattooed on the paw with animal tattoo ink (Ketchum permanent Tattoo Inks green paste, Ketchum Manufacturing Inc., Brockville ON Canada) by loading the ink into a 30G hypodermic needle and inserting the ink subcutaneously through the needle tip into the center of the paw. The procedure was performed at two days of age, immediately after behavioral testing”