Multi-functional animal feeding cage

Abstract

The utility model relates to experimental animal feeding equipment technical field provides a multifunctional animal feeding cage, the animal feeding cage includes: main body feeding cage (1) is used for providing animal activity space, grid floor unit (2) is detachably set in the bottom of main body feeding cage (1), and its grid structure is configured as the support animal and allows the excrement and the bedding chippings to pass, drawer type base (3) is pullably set below grid floor unit (2), wherein, through the drawer type base (3) in the isolation with the animal selectively containing bedding (4), metabolite collector (5) or temperature control pad (6) in, the switching of different working mode is realized. Through the switching of bottom functional module, realize the multiple functions in the routine feeding of experimental animal, metabolite nondestructive collection and body temperature intervention in the same feeding space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of laboratory animal husbandry equipment, and in particular to a multifunctional animal husbandry cage. Background Technology

[0002] In biomedical research, small laboratory animals such as mice and rats are crucial experimental models. During their rearing and experimentation, researchers face numerous repetitive and interfering operational requirements. For example, the collection of metabolic samples necessitates frequent and non-destructive collection of animal feces and urine for biochemical analysis and metabolomics studies. Currently, this typically requires transferring animals to specialized metabolic cages, a process that induces strong stress in the animals, interfering with endocrine and metabolic indicators and affecting the accuracy of experimental data. Simultaneously, maintaining animal welfare and the hygiene standards of the experimental environment requires regular bedding changes. Traditional solid-bottom cages are extremely inconvenient for bedding changes, not only being cumbersome and inefficient, but the process of capturing and transferring animals also causes stress and poses a risk of cross-contamination. Furthermore, animals undergoing surgical modeling are highly susceptible to hypothermia due to the effects of anesthesia and impaired thermoregulation, a leading cause of postoperative mortality. Existing technologies often employ methods such as infrared lamp irradiation or mat surface heating, which have problems such as inaccurate temperature control, uneven heat distribution, easy burns or dehydration of animals, and disruption of the normal activity rhythm of animals.

[0003] Currently available animal cages offer limited functionality, often requiring separate equipment or complex operations to meet the various needs mentioned above. There is a lack of a solution that efficiently and conveniently integrates these functions into a single unit. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative animal cage that can achieve rapid function switching while minimizing animal stress, meeting the higher demands of modern animal experiments for efficiency, precision, and animal welfare. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to achieve multiple functions in the same breeding space, including routine feeding of experimental animals, non-destructive collection of metabolites, and body temperature intervention, by switching the bottom functional modules.

[0005] An embodiment of this utility model provides a multifunctional animal breeding cage, which includes: a main breeding cage (1) for providing space for animal activity; A mesh bottom plate unit (2) is detachably disposed at the bottom of the main feeding cage (1), the mesh structure of which is configured to support the animals and allow excrement and bedding debris to pass through; A drawer-type base (3) is removably disposed below the grid base plate unit (2); Different working modes can be switched by selectively accommodating bedding (4), metabolite collector (5) or temperature-controlled pad (6) in the drawer-type base (3) that is isolated from animals.

[0006] In one embodiment, the working mode includes at least: when the bedding material (4) is contained, it constitutes a feeding mode for routine feeding; when the metabolite collector (5) is contained, it constitutes a collection mode for non-destructive sample collection; and when the temperature control pad (6) is contained, it constitutes a temperature control mode for maintaining the animal's body temperature.

[0007] In one embodiment, the mesh base plate unit (2) is connected to the main feeding cage (1) by a quick-release connector (22); when the connection is released, the main feeding cage (1) and the mesh base plate unit (2) can be lifted together, so that the animal is suspended above the drawer-type base (3), so that the drawer-type base (3) can be pulled out and the functional modules can be replaced without contacting the animal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the quick-release connector (22) is one of a rotary buckle, a press-type buckle, or a magnetic adsorption structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the grid of the grid base plate unit (2) is a grid-shaped or honeycomb structure with a preset depth, the depth being configured to ensure that the excrement falls smoothly while preventing the animal's feet from getting stuck and injured.

[0010] In one embodiment, the preset depth is 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the metabolite collector (5) is a sterile plastic collection box or disposable filter paper that can be placed inside the drawer-type base (3).

[0012] In one embodiment, the temperature control pad (6) is an electric heating pad or a semiconductor cooling pad with an external temperature controller, and its working surface temperature can be precisely controlled between 20°C and 40°C.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one side of the main breeding cage (1) is an observation window (12) made of transparent material, and the side of the drawer-type base (3) is provided with a handle (31) for easy pulling out.

[0014] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory animal husbandry equipment technology, and provides a multifunctional animal husbandry cage, which includes: a main feeding cage (1) for providing animal activity space; a grid bottom plate unit (2) detachably disposed at the bottom of the main feeding cage (1), the grid structure of which is configured to support the animal and allow excrement and bedding debris to pass through; and a drawer-type base (3) detachably disposed below the grid bottom plate unit (2); wherein, by selectively accommodating bedding material (4), a metabolite collector (5), or a temperature control pad (6) in the drawer-type base (3) which is isolated from the animal, different working modes can be switched. By switching the bottom functional modules, multiple functions such as routine feeding of laboratory animals, non-destructive collection of metabolites, and body temperature intervention can be realized in the same feeding space. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multifunctional animal husbandry cage owner provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a detachable structural diagram of the mesh base plate unit and the theme breeding cage provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3a A schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-functional animal rearing cage in a rearing mode; Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-functional animal feeding cage in collection mode.

[0017] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0020] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the term "and / or" throughout the text includes three solutions; taking A and / or B as an example, it includes technical solution A, technical solution B, and a technical solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 As shown in Figure 3, an embodiment of this utility model provides a multifunctional animal cage. This animal cage aims to solve the problems of single function, cumbersome operation, and high stress on animals in the prior art through modular design.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multifunctional animal cage provided in the embodiments of this application. The multifunctional animal cage provided in the embodiments of this application includes: a main cage (1) for providing animal activity space; a mesh bottom plate unit (2) detachably disposed at the bottom of the main cage (1), the mesh structure of which is configured to support the animal and allow excrement and bedding debris to pass through; and a drawer-type base (3) retractably disposed below the mesh bottom plate unit (2); wherein, by selectively accommodating bedding (4), a metabolite collector (5), or a temperature control pad (6) in the drawer-type base (3) which is isolated from the animal, the switching of different working modes can be realized.

[0023] Specifically, the main rearing cage (1) is an enclosure structure made of transparent material (such as polycarbonate), with a top cover (11) with ventilation holes and interfaces for feeders and water bottles, providing a standardized activity space for experimental animals (such as mice and rats). At least one side forms an observation window (12) for easy non-destructive observation.

[0024] The mesh floor unit (2) is one of the key innovations of this animal housing cage. Please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2This diagram illustrates the detachable structure between the mesh base plate unit and the main rearing cage, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 It is known that the mesh base plate unit (2) and the main feeding cage (1) are connected by a quick-release connector (22). When the connection is released, the main feeding cage (1) and the mesh base plate unit (2) can be lifted together, so that the animal is suspended above the drawer-type base (3), thereby allowing the drawer-type base (3) to be pulled out and the functional modules to be replaced without touching the animal. Specifically, the quick-release connector (22) is one of a rotating buckle, a pressing buckle, or a magnetic adsorption structure, and is detachably installed at the bottom of the main feeding cage (1). In addition, by Figure 1 or Figure 2 It is known that the grid of the grid base plate unit (2) is a grid-shaped or honeycomb structure with a preset depth. The depth is configured to ensure that excrement falls smoothly while preventing the animal's feet from getting stuck and injured. In practical applications, the preset depth is 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. This depth is sufficient to ensure that feces, urine, and bedding debris can pass through smoothly without clogging; at the same time, it can provide sufficient support for the animal's feet, preventing the feet from getting stuck in the grid or being squeezed and injured, thereby ensuring animal welfare while achieving the separation function.

[0025] In one embodiment, the metabolite collector (5) is a sterile plastic collection box or disposable filter paper that can be placed inside the drawer-type base (3). The drawer-type base (3) is pull-out positioned below the grid base unit (2) via a guide rail mechanism. A handle (31) is provided on the side of the drawer for easy operation. The base functions as a configurable platform.

[0026] The temperature control pad (6) is an electric heating pad or a semiconductor cooling pad with an external temperature controller, and its working surface temperature can be precisely controlled between 20°C and 40°C.

[0027] For example, the working mode includes at least: when the bedding material (4) is contained, it constitutes a feeding mode for routine feeding; when the metabolite collector (5) is contained, it constitutes a collection mode for non-destructive sample collection; and when the temperature control pad (6) is contained, it constitutes a temperature control mode for maintaining the animal's body temperature.

[0028] It should be noted that the core function of the multi-functional animal cage lies in the flexible switching of working modes, which is achieved by selectively accommodating different functional modules within the drawer-type base 3, which is completely isolated from the animal's activity space.

[0029] Specifically, see Figure 3a , Figure 3aThis is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-functional animal cage in the feeding mode. In this feeding mode, when a sufficiently thick layer of bedding (4) is placed in the drawer-type base (3), the animal cage is in a normal feeding state and is used for the daily feeding of animals.

[0030] See Figure 3b , Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multifunctional animal cage in collection mode. When it is necessary to collect metabolic samples, the bedding (4) is replaced with a metabolite collector (5) (such as a sterile plastic collection box or disposable filter paper). Animal excrement falls directly into the collector through the grid bottom plate (21), realizing non-destructive sampling without the need to transfer animals, greatly reducing the stress response caused by capture and transfer, and ensuring the accuracy of metabolic data.

[0031] In addition, when animals need to be kept warm after surgery or when experiments require cooling, a temperature control pad (6) (such as an electric heating pad or semiconductor cooling pad with an external precise temperature controller, with a temperature control range of 20℃-40℃) can be placed in the drawer-type base (3). Heat or cold is evenly transferred through the grid base plate (21), providing animals with a safe and controllable body temperature intervention environment. Compared with traditional heat lamps, the temperature is more uniform and undisturbed, which can effectively reduce postoperative mortality.

[0032] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory animal husbandry equipment technology, and provides a multifunctional animal husbandry cage, which includes: a main feeding cage (1) for providing animal activity space; a grid bottom plate unit (2) detachably disposed at the bottom of the main feeding cage (1), the grid structure of which is configured to support the animal and allow excrement and bedding debris to pass through; and a drawer-type base (3) detachably disposed below the grid bottom plate unit (2); wherein, by selectively accommodating bedding material (4), a metabolite collector (5), or a temperature control pad (6) in the drawer-type base (3) which is isolated from the animal, different working modes can be switched. By switching the bottom functional modules, multiple functions such as routine feeding of laboratory animals, non-destructive collection of metabolites, and body temperature intervention can be realized in the same feeding space.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A multifunctional animal breeding cage, characterized in that, The animal housing cage includes: a main housing cage (1) for providing space for animal activity; A mesh bottom plate unit (2) is detachably disposed at the bottom of the main feeding cage (1), the mesh structure of which is configured to support the animals and allow excrement and bedding debris to pass through; A drawer-type base (3) is removably disposed below the grid base plate unit (2); Different working modes can be switched by selectively accommodating bedding (4), metabolite collector (5) or temperature-controlled pad (6) in the drawer-type base (3) that is isolated from animals.

2. The animal rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working mode includes at least the following: when the bedding material (4) is contained, it constitutes a feeding mode for routine feeding; when the metabolite collector (5) is contained, it constitutes a collection mode for non-destructive sample collection; and when the temperature control pad (6) is contained, it constitutes a temperature control mode for maintaining the animal's body temperature.

3. The animal rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mesh base plate unit (2) is connected to the main feeding cage (1) via a quick-release connector (22). When the connection is released, the main feeding cage (1) and the mesh base plate unit (2) can be lifted together, so that the animal is suspended above the drawer-type base (3), and the drawer-type base (3) can be pulled out and the functional modules can be replaced without touching the animal.

4. The animal rearing cage according to claim 3, characterized in that, The quick-release connector (22) is one of a rotating buckle, a press-type buckle, or a magnetic adsorption structure.

5. The animal rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid of the grid base plate unit (2) is a grid-shaped or honeycomb structure with a preset depth. The depth is configured to ensure that the excrement falls smoothly while preventing the animal's feet from getting stuck and injured.

6. The animal rearing cage according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preset depth is 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm.

7. The animal rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metabolite collector (5) is a sterile plastic collection box or disposable filter paper that can be placed inside the drawer-type base (3).

8. The animal rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control pad (6) is an electric heating pad or a semiconductor cooling pad with an external temperature controller, and its working surface temperature can be precisely controlled between 20°C and 40°C.

9. The animal rearing cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one side of the main breeding cage (1) is an observation window (12) made of transparent material, and the side of the drawer-type base (3) is provided with a handle (31) for easy pulling out.

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