This test, designed by Dr. Jacki Crawley, is used to examine the preference of rodents towards social vs. non-social situations. This test is particulary useful to investigate the complex genetics of social behavior such as sociability/anti-social behaviors in animal models of social dysfunction such as autism or disorders associated with these traits.

Test Specifics: The animal is placed in an automated, three chambered apparatus. A mouse is placed in one of the chambers and the tested mouse is given the choice to interact socially with the other mouse. Time spent in each chamber and the number of entries are scored automatically by a system detecting photocell beam breaks.

This is a battery of observations designed to quantify developmental changes in pups in a standarized fashion.

Test Specifics: The testing procedures are derived from those used by Fox and Altman and Sudarshan and adapted by Dr. Joanna Hill. The method incorporates a variety of reflex tests, as indicators of neurologic development, as well as tests of strength and motor development.

This is a battery of standarized observations designed to quantify maternal aptitude of the mother to rear its pups.

This is a test devised to be able to quantitate aggressive behavior in rodents by analyzing various parameters during direct brief confrontations between two animals. This test is offered with some restrictions due to the nature of the testing. Please contact the director prior to sending the behavior test requisition form if interested in testing aggression in your rodent.