Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

A forced-air ventilation system for rodent cages.

D Y Wu, G N Joiner, A R McFarland

    Laboratory Animal Science
    |October 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    A new forced-air ventilation system significantly improves rodent cage environments. This system drastically reduces ammonia (NH3) levels and bedding moisture, promoting healthier housing for laboratory rats.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    [Annual progress in the clinical management and research of bronchiectasis 2025].

    Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases·2026
    Same author

    [A consistency comparison between next-generation sequencing and the FISH method for gene rearrangement detection in B-cell lymphomas].

    Zhonghua xue ye xue za zhi = Zhonghua xueyexue zazhi·2024
    Same author

    [Gastric SWI/SNF complex deletion-associated undifferentiated carcinoma with rhabdoid phenotype: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis].

    Zhonghua bing li xue za zhi = Chinese journal of pathology·2022
    Same author

    [Subcutaneous sparganosis: a case report].

    Zhongguo xue xi chong bing fang zhi za zhi = Chinese journal of schistosomiasis control·2021
    Same author

    [Clinicopathological features and molecular genetics of Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration].

    Zhonghua bing li xue za zhi = Chinese journal of pathology·2021
    Same author

    Effects of combined therapy of valsartan and rosuvastatin on patients with atrial fibrillation.

    Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents·2020

    Area of Science:

    • Laboratory animal science
    • Environmental engineering
    • Animal welfare

    Background:

    • Rodent cages require effective ventilation to manage ammonia (NH3) and humidity.
    • Suboptimal environmental conditions can negatively impact animal health and research outcomes.
    • Existing ventilation systems may not adequately control airborne contaminants and moisture.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To develop and evaluate a novel forced-air ventilation system for rodent cages.
    • To assess the system's effectiveness in reducing ammonia concentrations.
    • To determine the impact of the system on bedding moisture content.

    Main Methods:

    • A novel forced-air ventilation apparatus was designed for standard rodent cages (230 mm x 450 mm x 165 mm).
    • The system operated at an airflow rate of 56 L/min, with air velocity measured at animal height.
    • Ammonia (NH3) concentrations and soiled bedding water content were measured in ventilated and non-ventilated cages housing two rats each.

    Main Results:

    • Air velocity within the cage did not exceed 8 m/min at rat height.
    • Average NH3 concentration in the ventilated cage was <0.3 ppm after 3 days, compared to 150 ppm in the control cage.
    • The forced-air system resulted in significantly drier soiled bedding, indicating a drier microenvironment.

    Conclusions:

    • The novel forced-air ventilation system is highly effective at reducing ammonia levels in rodent cages.
    • The system creates a drier environment, which is beneficial for rodent welfare.
    • This technology offers a promising solution for improving the environmental quality in laboratory animal housing.

    Related Experiment Videos