Innovative cage-based technique for mouse urine collection

Accurate and humane collection of mouse urine samples is crucial for research studies and health monitoring of laboratory mouse colonies. Conventional methods may stress animals and compromise sample quality. To address these challenges, we developed a natural and animal-friendly approach using a specially designed urine collection device. This innovative technique involved individual transparent compartments with 96-well collection plates, allowing C57BL/6NTac mice to urinate freely for up to 2 h. Our study found that the optimal collection period was from 7 AM to 9 AM, during which the mice produced urine quantities ranging from 80 μl to 810 μl, with a substantial majority (85%) producing over 150 μl. The use of 96-well plates minimized stress, sample evaporation and contamination from fecal material. This cage-based non-invasive technique provides a user-friendly solution for obtaining accurate and high-quality mouse urine samples, benefiting animal welfare and facilitating rodent health surveillance and research studies.