Mouse Behavior Tracker: An economical method for tracking behavior in home cages

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Animal Behavior Analysis
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Traditional mouse behavior analysis requires costly equipment and can alter behavior due to environmental changes.
• Standardized and accessible methods are needed for reliable behavioral phenotyping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a low-cost system for tracking mouse behavior within their home cages.
• To enable behavioral analysis without confounding environmental stress.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a low-cost USB webcam for video recording of mice in their home cages.
• Employed free, open-source software (Fiji and wrMTrck) for automated behavior tracking.
• Quantified parameters including distance traveled, speed, and movement tracks.

Main Results:

• Successfully tracked and quantified mouse movement parameters using the developed system.
• Demonstrated significant differences in movement patterns between wild-type and SOD1G93A (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model) mice.
• The system proved effective in distinguishing behavioral phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• A cost-effective and accessible method for mouse behavior tracking in home cages has been established.
• This approach minimizes environmental stress, leading to more reliable behavioral data.
• The system is suitable for differentiating behavioral phenotypes in disease models like ALS.