All Metabolic facility equipment is scheduled on Bookkit.org. If you are not familiar with the use of Bookkit as a KUMC research equipment scheduling platform, please gather more information on our Bookkit intranet page. All metabolic facility users must be trained and authorized to use the equipment by the facility manager and hold an approved ACUP outlining the use of the technology with their experimental design. Please visit our Personnel page if you need to schedule a consult for services or training.

EchoMRI for Body Composition Analysis

The EchoMRI ^TM 1100 Analyzer delivers precise body composition measurements of fat, lean, free water, and total water masses in tissues and live animals weighing from 1 to 1100 grams.  Scanning takes less than 2 minutes, and anesthesia is not required. Use of the EchoMRI is billed at an internal rate of $10/hr.

Promethion Indirect Calorimetry System

The Promethion Indirect Calorimetry system provides metabolic and behavioral measures for up to 8 rats or 8 mice at one time. Metabolism and behavior are monitored continuously on a second to second basis and macros are provided for data analysis. Outcome measures include oxygen consumption (energy expenditure) carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio, ambulatory activity, sleep duration, food intake, water intake. The system also has running wheels if needed. Use of the indirect system is billed at $80/day.

BioDAQ

A 12- 24 cage BioDaq system was acquired through a KUMC School of Medicine Research Equipment and Resource Procurement Award (ERPA).  

The BioDAQ Food and Liquid Intake Monitor (BioDAQ) is a home cage based instrument that automatically collects and records an animal's native feeding and drinking behavior. The singly  housed animal can live chronically in the BioDAQ. Feeding and drinking modules are adapted to standard laboratory cages. Liquid preference testing can also be performed. Cages and hardware can be cleaned using standard animal facility procedures. Use of the BioDaq is billed at $15/day.

Bomb Calorimeter

A Parr Instrument Bomb Calorimeter is available for measuring the calorie content of various sample types. The calorimeter measures the heat released from combusting the biomass and is useful in understanding metabolic processing.

Thermoneutral Caging

Solace Zone thermoneutral mouse caging racks are available for use in either vivarium. The core maintains four independent sets of racks each capable of holding 32 mouse cages that can be utilized at a density equivalent to other vivarium caging. Temperature is variable in increments of 5 degrees. The caging can be relocated to your main housing room to facilitate your needs and provide minimal disruption to your colony.