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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Recording and Analysis of Circadian Rhythms in Running-wheel Activity in Rodents
Published on: January 24, 2013
Behaviour of rats in their home cages: daytime variations and effects of routine husbandry procedures analysed by
P Saibaba1, G D Sales, G Stodulski
1Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare, Dept of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.
Abstract:
The behaviour of laboratory rats in their home cages was observed on both the mornings and the afternoons of days when cages were cleaned and compared to days when cages were not cleaned. Two different time sampling methods, 'instantaneous sampling' and 'one/zero sampling', were used and compared. In general the rats were more active in the mornings than in the afternoons. Activity, particularly locomotion and that associated with manipulation of the bedding was increased during both the mornings and the afternoons of cleaning days. Defaecation also increased on cleaning days whereas sitting decreased. The cleaning regime appeared to have a greater effect on behaviour than did time of day and the effect of cleaning lasted for several hours after the procedure had been completed. The implications for experimental design are discussed.
