Overview
PhenoTyper is a versatile behavioral assessment tool. Thanks to multi-functional components, different add-ons and compatible products, PhenoTyper can be used for different testing purposes.

The top unit contains multiple IR LED sources and an IR-sensitive video camera to record video inside the cage that is independent of ambient light conditions; a white spot light to create a light gradient inside the cage; and a yellow light and buzzer that can act as cues. Together with the white spot light, these stimuli can be automatically activated by EthoVision software, depending on the behavior displayed by an animal.

The cage underneath the top unit can be customized according to the application. Walls come in different sizes to make the surface area of the cage either 30x30 cm (12x12 inch) or 45x45 cm (18x18 inch). Different types of walls in both sizes are available that allow various add-ons to be attached to these walls such as a shelter, feeder and water bottle.

Benefits

• Enables video recording independent of ambient light conditions
• Allows activation of visual and acoustical stimuli inside the cage
• Extendable with different recording and stimuli add-ons
• Compatible with EthoVision and The Observer
• Support by Noldus

Analysis
The type of analysis that can be performed with PhenoTyper depends on the compatible products that are used with PhenoTyper. The video captured by PhenoTyper can be fed into a computer that runs the EthoVision software for automated video analysis of place preference and locomotion endpoints (see video clip on the right) as well as analysis of input delivered by the monitoring add-ons, or The Observer software for interactive analysis of detailed behaviors (e.g. social interaction).