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Metabolic Measurement System
SKU ME-MS-35107
$10,990.00
IncludesStandard care
Portable indirect calorimetry system measuring oxygen consumption, CO2 production, and metabolic rates with integrated touchscreen control and field operation capability.
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Maze Engineers Metabolic Treadmill, cages, and metabolic cages
- SKU family
- ME-MS-35107
- Shipping box
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
Maze Engineers Metabolic Measurement System
A portable, integrated metabolic analysis system designed for simultaneous monitoring of multiple animal subjects. The system features a touchscreen control unit with real-time data acquisition and flexible deployment options for field or laboratory use.
System Capabilities
Integration: One Metabolic Measurement System can analyze up to 4 metabolic treadmills or metabolic cages simultaneously
Operation Modes: Online (real-time monitoring) or offline (data export to PC software for post-hoc analysis)
Data Management: Large data storage capacity with USB export functionality
Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | Portable unit with solid protective case and integrated handle |
| Control Interface | Integrated touchscreen GUI control unit |
| Pump Flow Rate | 1–1000 mL/min, continuously adjustable |
| Power System | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack (24V, 10AH) |
| Battery Runtime | At least 8 hours of continuous field use |
Environmental Operating Conditions
| Condition | Range |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 5–40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20–60°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0–95% RH |
Measurable Parameters
- O₂ consumption per unit time
- CO₂ production per unit time
- Respiratory entropy / Respiratory quotient (RQ)
- Respiratory exchange rate (RER)
- Energy consumption
- Metabolic rate (MR)
- Temperature (accuracy: ±0.1°C)
- Humidity (accuracy: ±1% RH)
- Air pressure (accuracy: 0.075%)
Sensor Specifications
| Sensor | Detection Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Sensor | 0–10% | ±0.1% |
| O₂ Sensor | 2–100% | ±0.1% |
Component Compatibility
The Metabolic Measurement System integrates with:
- Rodent Metabolic Treadmills (up to 4 units)
- Metabolic cage systems (up to 4 units)
Related Product: Rodent Metabolic Treadmill – compatible measurement and exercise system for metabolic studies
Applications
- Rodent metabolic phenotyping
- Exercise physiology research
- Energy expenditure and activity monitoring
- Drug efficacy testing
- Behavioral and metabolic correlate studies
How It Works
Indirect calorimetry operates on the principle that energy expenditure can be calculated from oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates. The system draws air samples through calibrated flow paths and analyzes gas concentrations using electrochemical or infrared sensors. Oxygen consumption (VO2) reflects cellular respiration, while CO2 production (VCO2) indicates metabolic byproduct generation.
The respiratory exchange ratio (RER = VCO2/VO2) provides insight into substrate utilization, with values near 0.7 indicating fat oxidation and values approaching 1.0 suggesting carbohydrate metabolism. Energy expenditure is calculated using the Weir equation, incorporating both VO2 and VCO2 measurements. The system simultaneously monitors environmental parameters to account for temperature and humidity effects on gas measurements.
Real-time data processing enables immediate calculation of metabolic parameters including metabolic rate, respiratory entropy, and energy consumption. The adjustable pump flow allows optimization for different chamber volumes and species requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy within specified tolerances.
Features & Benefits
Portable design with solid case and handle
Enables metabolic measurements in field conditions and multiple laboratory locations without permanent installation requirements.
Integrated touchscreen GUI control unit
Provides intuitive protocol setup and real-time data visualization without requiring external computer connections.
Adjustable pump flow 1-1000 ml/min
Accommodates diverse experimental setups from small mouse chambers to larger enclosures while maintaining appropriate air exchange rates.
24V 10AH lithium-ion battery with 8+ hour operation
Supports extended field studies and eliminates AC power dependency for circadian rhythm or behavioral experiments.
Multi-parameter real-time measurements
Simultaneously monitors O2, CO2, temperature, humidity, and pressure for comprehensive environmental and metabolic characterization.
USB drive integration for data export
Enables immediate data backup and transfer without network connectivity requirements in field or isolated laboratory settings.
Wide operating temperature range (5-40°C)
Functions reliably across typical laboratory and field temperature conditions without performance degradation.
Integration compatibility with metabolic cages and treadmills
Connects seamlessly with existing behavioral and exercise equipment for comprehensive physiological assessment protocols.
Add-ons and modifications
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Measurement System | $10,990 | Small portable unit with a solid case with a handle Control unit with an integrated touchscreen GUI Pump flow 1-1000 ml per minute, adjustable Operating tempera |
Add any of these to your quote request.
Portability
- Small portable unit with solid case and handle
Real Time Measurements
- Oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor pressure, atmospheric pressure, and humidity
Measured Parameters
- O2 consumption per unit time, CO2 production per unit time, Respiratory entropy (RQ), Respiratory exchange rate (RER), Energy consumption, Metabolic rate (MR), Temperature, Humidity, Air pressure
Operational Modes
- Real-time protocol execution and result exportation
Data Export
- USB drive integration
Integration Compatibility
- Maze Engineers Metabolic Treadmill, cages, and metabolic cages
Video Tracking Compatibility
- Noldus EthoVision, ANY-Maze
Field Conditions
- Various complex field environmental conditions
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Accuracy
- O2 consumption: 1ml, CO2 production: 1ml, Temperature: 0.1°C, Humidity: ±1% RH, Air pressure: 0.075%
Display Type
- Touchscreen
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular
- Environmental Monitoring
- Metabolic Research
- Motor Function
Species
- Gerbil
- Hamster
- Rabbit
- Mouse
- Rat
- Guinea pig
Shipping weight
- 21.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 43.2 cm
- W: 38.0 cm
- H: 27.9 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portability and Field Operation | Portable unit with carrying case, handle, and 8+ hour battery operation | Many systems require permanent installation or AC power | Enables metabolic measurements in field conditions and circadian studies without power constraints. |
| Flow Rate Adjustability | 1-1000 ml/min adjustable pump flow | Fixed flow systems often limited to narrow ranges | Accommodates diverse chamber sizes and species requirements within a single system. |
| Integrated Control Interface | Built-in touchscreen GUI with protocol programming | Many systems require external computer control | Reduces setup complexity and enables standalone operation in field or isolated settings. |
| Multi-parameter Monitoring | Real-time O2, CO2, temperature, humidity, and pressure measurements | Basic systems may monitor only primary gases | Provides comprehensive environmental context for metabolic measurements and data quality assessment. |
| System Integration | Compatible with metabolic cages, treadmills, and video tracking software | Limited integration options with behavioral equipment | Enables combined physiological and behavioral assessment protocols in existing laboratory setups. |
This system combines portable operation with comprehensive measurement capabilities, featuring adjustable flow rates from 1-1000 ml/min and integrated touchscreen control. The 8+ hour battery operation and environmental parameter monitoring distinguish it from fixed laboratory systems, while software compatibility supports integration with existing behavioral research workflows.
Metabolic Research
Quantifying energy expenditure and substrate utilization in rodents during rest, exercise, or pharmacological interventions through continuous VO2 and VCO2 measurements.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Assessing metabolic effects of drug treatments by monitoring respiratory exchange ratios and metabolic rates during behavioral testing paradigms.
Motor Function
Measuring oxygen consumption and energy expenditure during locomotor activity testing on treadmills or in activity chambers.
Aging Research
Characterizing age-related changes in metabolic efficiency through longitudinal monitoring of basal metabolic rate and respiratory quotients.
Cardiovascular Research
Evaluating cardiac output and oxygen extraction during exercise stress testing by correlating metabolic measurements with physiological parameters.
Environmental Monitoring
Documenting metabolic responses to environmental stressors in field conditions using portable battery-powered operation.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Perform calibration at the same temperature as your experimental environment to minimize thermal effects on sensor accuracy.
Why: Temperature variations can introduce measurement drift that calibration compensation helps eliminate.
Best Practices
Allow 15-30 minutes for system warm-up and stabilization before beginning measurements, especially after transport.
Why: Sensor stability improves measurement precision and reduces baseline drift during data collection.
Maintenance
Clean gas sampling lines weekly and inspect for condensation buildup that could affect flow dynamics.
Why: Contaminated tubing can introduce measurement artifacts and alter system response characteristics.
Data Quality
Monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure) throughout experiments to identify potential confounding factors.
Why: Environmental variations can affect both animal physiology and measurement system performance.
Troubleshooting
Check for air leaks in the chamber system if metabolic measurements appear unexpectedly low or variable.
Why: Air leaks dilute gas concentrations and introduce measurement errors that compromise data validity.
Best Practices
Match pump flow rate to chamber volume (typically 3-5 air changes per hour) to balance response time with animal comfort.
Why: Optimal flow rates ensure adequate gas exchange while minimizing air currents that could affect behavior.
Safety
Ensure adequate ventilation in the experimental area when using the system with metabolic chambers containing animals.
Why: Proper ventilation prevents CO2 buildup in the laboratory environment and maintains animal welfare standards.
Data Quality
Record system settings and calibration data with each experiment for complete methodological documentation.
Why: Detailed system logs enable troubleshooting, method validation, and reproducibility across experimental sessions.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove the system from its carrying case and verify all components are present. Check for physical damage to sensors and flow connections.
Connect Gas Lines
Attach inlet and outlet tubing to the metabolic chamber or cage system. Ensure secure connections to prevent air leaks that could compromise measurements.
Power Initialization
Connect the 24V battery pack or AC adapter and power on the system. Allow 15-30 minutes for sensor stabilization before calibration.
Calibration Setup
Perform zero-point calibration with room air and span calibration using reference gas standards. Follow the touchscreen prompts for automated calibration sequence.
Flow Rate Configuration
Set the pump flow rate (1-1000 ml/min) appropriate for your chamber volume and species. Higher flows reduce lag time but may disturb small animals.
Protocol Programming
Configure measurement intervals, duration, and data export parameters using the integrated touchscreen interface. Connect USB drive for data storage if required.
System Verification
Run a brief test measurement to verify stable readings and proper data logging. Check that all environmental sensors are responding correctly.
What’s in the Box
- Metabolic measurement system main unit
- 24V 10AH lithium-ion battery pack
- AC power adapter and charging cable
- Gas sampling tubing kit (typical)
- USB cable for data export
- Calibration gas connections (typical)
- User manual and software documentation
- Carrying case with foam inserts
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for system operation and troubleshooting. Extended warranty and calibration service plans are available for long-term research projects.
Compliance
AAALAC International GuidelinesCommonly used in research facilities following guidelines for environmental monitoring and physiological assessment in laboratory animal studies.
NIH Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory AnimalsSupports metabolic phenotyping protocols in compliance with federal guidelines for animal research methodology.
ISO 8996 (Ergonomics - Metabolic Rate Determination)Provides measurement capabilities relevant to standardized metabolic rate assessment protocols in research applications.
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Gerard Rietjens et al. (2001) “Validation of a Computerized Metabolic Measurement System (Oxycon-Pro®) During Low and High Intensity Exercise” International Journal of Sports Medicine doi:10.1055/s-2001-14342
2.Peter Larsson et al. (2004) “Validation of the MetaMax II Portable Metabolic Measurement System” International Journal of Sports Medicine doi:10.1055/s-2004-819953
3.Edward L. Melanson et al. (1996) “Reliability and Validity of a Portable Metabolic Measurement System” Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology doi:10.1139/h96-010
4.Darren M. Roffey et al. (2006) “Day‐to‐Day Variance in Measurement of Resting Metabolic Rate Using Ventilated‐Hood and Mouthpiece & Nose‐Clip Indirect Calorimetry Systems” Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition doi:10.1177/0148607106030005426
Protocol and background
Apparatus and Equipment
The Metabolic Measurement System is a small portable unit with a solid case with a handle for maximum portability that can be used on-site under various complex field environmental conditions. The system features a control unit with an integrated touchscreen GUI that simultaneously displays oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor pressure, atmospheric pressure, and humidity in real-time. Using the accompanied software package, experiments online or offline. The offline data can be exported to software on the PC for further analysis. This system can be fully integrated with Maze Engineers Metabolic Treadmill and metabolic cages
One Metabolic Measurement System analyzes up to 4 metabolic treadmills or cages.
Software
The device provides the functionality to configure the protocols and monitor the results. The software on a PC can be used to view and analyze the results. There are two ways to use the software on PC: running protocols in real-time with the software or exporting the results to the software. Store a large data set and easy-to-export data with an included USB drive.
Data Analysis
The following parameters can be observed using the Metabolic Measurement System:
- O2 consumption per unit time
- CO2 production per unit time
- Respiratory entropy (RQ)
- Respiratory exchange rate (RER)
- Energy consumption
- Metabolic rate (MR)
- Temperature, accuracy 0.1°C; humidity accuracy ±1% RH; air pressure, accuracy 0.075%
Sensor Specifations
| Parameter | CO2 sensor | O2 sensor |
| Detection range (percentage) | 0-10% | 2-100% |
| Measurement accuracy (percentage) | +/- 0.1% | +/- 0.1% |
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From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What is the measurement lag time between the chamber and gas analysis?
A
Lag time depends on tubing length and flow rate settings. Higher flow rates (500-1000 ml/min) reduce response time but may create air currents affecting small animal behavior. Consult product datasheet for specific response time calculations based on your setup configuration.
Q
How frequently does the system require calibration for accurate measurements?
A
Daily zero-point calibration with room air is recommended, with span calibration using reference gases weekly or before critical experiments. The system includes automated calibration prompts and maintains calibration history for quality control documentation.
Q
Can the system integrate with video tracking software for behavioral correlation?
A
Yes, the system is compatible with Noldus EthoVision and ANY-Maze software platforms, enabling synchronized metabolic and behavioral data collection for comprehensive physiological assessment.
Q
What is the minimum detectable change in metabolic rate?
A
With 1ml accuracy for O2 and CO2 measurements, the system can detect metabolic rate changes corresponding to the measurement resolution. Actual detection limits depend on baseline metabolic rate and measurement duration for statistical significance.
Q
How does ambient humidity affect measurement accuracy?
A
The system operates across 0-95% humidity with integrated humidity monitoring for measurement correction. Water vapor pressure measurements enable compensation for humidity effects on gas concentration calculations.
Q
What data formats are supported for export and analysis?
A
The system supports USB drive export with real-time protocol execution. Specific file formats and data structure details should be confirmed in the product datasheet for compatibility with your analysis software.
Q
Can multiple chambers be monitored simultaneously?
A
The current system configuration supports single-chamber monitoring. Multiple unit operation would require separate systems, though data synchronization may be possible through external software integration.
Q
What maintenance procedures are required for long-term accuracy?
A
Regular sensor cleaning, calibration verification, and pump maintenance are essential. The portable design facilitates service access, and the system includes diagnostic functions for monitoring sensor performance and identifying maintenance needs.
Have a question about this product?
Track rodents with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it scores standard rodent tests, such as those listed below.
Examples of tests it scores
To check whether ConductVision scores your protocol in this apparatus, ask in your quote request.
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