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Neuwirth Hole Board Test
SKU CS-958353
$3,690.00
IncludesStandard care
Behavioral apparatus combining hole-board exploration and open field testing to assess cognitive abilities, spatial discrimination, and anxiety-like behaviors in mice and rats across developmental stages.
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- ½ inch
- SKU family
- CS-958353
- Sizing
- Mouse Neuwirth Hole-board™: Height 25 cm · Width 25 cm; Rat Neuwirth Hole Board™: Height 50 cm · Width 50 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
Overview
The Neuwirth Hole Board Test™ is an advanced behavioral apparatus designed to study spatial navigation strategies, including allocentric and egocentric orientation systems. It expands conventional rodent hole-board testing to examine anxiety-like behaviors and exploratory responses across different ages, strains, and sexes. The apparatus features sixteen holes positioned equally throughout the floor, with hole diameters optimized for different animal ages.
The system includes removable hole inserts to accommodate different experimental protocols and age groups, enabling measurement of spatial discrimination, learning, memory, and exploratory behaviors through systematic observation of head-poke frequencies, latencies, and freezing behaviors.
Two-Day Protocol
- Day 1 — Anxiety Behavior: Measures anxiety-like behaviors in a novel environment (freezing, head poke latency, frequency). Place rodent in apparatus for 10 minutes under standardized 300 Lux illumination. Record freezing, mobility, and latency to first head poke.
- Day 2 — Exploratory Behavior: Introduces olfactory cues at corners (Petri dishes with four different odorants) to encourage exploration and measure inhibitory shift from avoidance to approach behaviors. Compare anxiety versus exploration shifts across days.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual-Day Protocol | First day for anxiety/fear assessment; second day for exploratory behaviors |
| Odor Discrimination | Incorporates contextual odor cues for spatial learning |
| Flexible Floor Inserts | Multiple floor types with varying hole sizes for developmental stages (1-inch for mature rats PND 55+; ½-inch for younger animals PND 22–55) |
| Cognitive Range | Tests learning, memory, habituation, risk assessment, and arousal |
| Pharmacological Use | Sensitive to drug manipulations, brain lesions, and neurodevelopmental models |
| Easy Maintenance | Odor-free design; simple cleaning with 70% ethanol |
Behavioral Parameters Measured
- Time spent mobile versus freezing (Day 1 and Day 2)
- Latency to first head poke
- Number and total time of head pokes
- Shifts in behavior across days (anxiety → exploration)
Applications
- Study of exploratory drive, anxiety-like behavior, and inhibitory control
- Evaluation of pharmacological interventions (GABAergic system)
- Developmental and strain-specific behavioral comparisons
- Neurodevelopmental disorder models (spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, age-related cognitive decline)
- Neurotoxicology and pharmacology research
Specifications
| Configuration | Dimensions | Hole Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Neuwirth Hole Board™ | 25 × 25 × 25 cm | 2 cm |
| Rat Neuwirth Hole Board™ | 50 × 50 × 50 cm | 2.54 cm |
Both configurations include removable hole inserts.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Clear separation of exploratory versus anxiety measures over two-day paradigm
- Tests broad range of unconditioned behaviors
- Detects developmental, sex, and strain-specific differences
- Supports pharmacological, developmental, and disease model studies
Limitations
- Requires rigorous cleaning to avoid odor contamination
- Lack of exploration may confound anxiety measurement
- Age, sex, and strain influence results
- Susceptible to unintended environmental stimuli
Principal Investigator
Professor Lorenz Neuwirth
References
Neuwirth, L. S., Volpe, N. P., Corwin, C., Ng, S., Madan, N., Ferraro, A. M., Furman, Y., & El Idrissi, A. (2017). Taurine Recovery of Learning Deficits Induced by Developmental Pb2+ Exposure. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 975 Pt 1, 39–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1079-2_4
How It Works
The Neuwirth Hole Board Test operates on the principle that rodents exhibit natural exploratory behaviors when presented with novel environments containing accessible openings. The apparatus exploits the inherent drive of rodents to investigate holes through head-poking behaviors, which serve as quantifiable measures of curiosity, spatial cognition, and anxiety states. The sixteen equally-spaced holes create a standardized spatial array that allows for systematic assessment of exploration patterns and spatial memory formation.
During testing, animals are placed in the center of the apparatus under controlled 300 Lux illumination. The standardized lighting conditions ensure consistent behavioral responses while avoiding extreme light levels that could induce stress or reduce exploration. Behavioral measures include latency to first head poke (reflecting initial anxiety or motivation), total frequency of head pokes (indicating overall exploratory drive), and freezing behaviors (demonstrating fear or anxiety responses). The two-day protocol allows for assessment of both initial novel exploration and subsequent familiar environment behavior.
The removable hole insert system enables experimental flexibility by allowing researchers to modify hole accessibility or introduce spatial memory tasks. Petri dishes positioned beneath corner holes can accommodate food rewards, olfactory cues, or other experimental stimuli, transforming the basic exploration paradigm into more complex cognitive assessment protocols.
Features & Benefits
Dual hole size compatibility
Accommodates animals from postnatal day 22 through mature adulthood using ½-inch and 1-inch diameter holes for age-appropriate testing protocols.
Sixteen equally-spaced holes
Provides standardized spatial array for consistent exploration assessment and enables complex spatial memory paradigms.
Removable hole insert system
Allows rapid reconfiguration between age groups and experimental protocols without requiring multiple apparatus units.
Corner petri dish compatibility
Enables incorporation of food rewards, olfactory stimuli, or other experimental manipulations to create complex behavioral paradigms.
Odor-free construction materials
Eliminates material-based olfactory confounds that could influence exploratory behavior or create location preferences.
70% ethanol cleaning compatibility
Supports rapid between-subject cleaning to prevent olfactory contamination while maintaining material integrity across multiple experimental sessions.
Species-specific dimensional optimization
Available in mouse (25cm) and rat (50cm) configurations to provide appropriate spatial scaling for natural exploration behaviors.
Combined exploration and open field assessment
Simultaneously measures hole-directed exploration and general locomotor activity for comprehensive behavioral phenotyping in a single test session.
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse Neuwirth Hole-board™ | Rat Neuwirth Hole Board™ |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25 cm | 50 cm |
| Width | 25 cm | 50 cm |
| Length | 25 cm | 50 cm |
| Diameter holes | 2 cm | 2.54 cm |
- diameter
- Removable Hole Insert Included
- Odor-free
- Easy clean with 70% Ethanol
Number of Holes
- sixteen
Hole Size Standard
- 1 inch
Hole Size Young Animals
- ½ inch
Hole Spacing
- equally apart throughout apparatus floor
Age Compatibility Small Holes
- mice or rats postnatal day 22 to 55
Age Compatibility Large Holes
- rats postnatal day 55 and older
Illumination Requirement
- 300 Lux
Petri Dish Placement
- beneath each corner of apparatus
Test Duration
- two days
Behavioral Measures
- freezing behaviors, latency to first head poke, frequency of head pokes
Behavioral Construct
- Spatial discrimination
- Exploratory behavior
- Spatial memory
- Anxiety-like behavior
- Novelty exploration
- Cognitive flexibility
Automation Level
- manual
Research Domain
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Shipping weight
- 6.06 lb
Shipping box
- L: 65.0 cm
- W: 36.0 cm
- H: 27.0 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hole Size Adaptability | Dual sizing system with ½-inch and 1-inch diameter holes plus removable inserts | Fixed hole dimensions requiring separate apparatus for different age groups | Enables longitudinal developmental studies and multi-age experimental designs with single apparatus investment. |
| Species Compatibility | Optimized dimensional scaling for mice (25cm) and rats (50cm) with age-appropriate hole spacing | Single-size models often compromise spatial scaling for one species | Provides natural exploration distances appropriate to each species' behavioral repertoire and body size. |
| Protocol Flexibility | Integrated corner petri dish positioning and removable hole insert system | Basic hole board designs without reward integration capabilities | Supports transition from simple exploration paradigms to complex spatial learning and memory protocols. |
| Cleaning Compatibility | 70% ethanol cleaning compatibility with odor-free construction materials | Materials may retain odors or require specialized cleaning protocols | Ensures consistent experimental conditions and prevents olfactory confounds that could bias behavioral results. |
This apparatus combines developmental adaptability through dual hole sizing, species-specific dimensional optimization, and integrated reward system compatibility. The modular design supports both basic exploration assessment and complex spatial cognitive protocols within a single platform.
| Model | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse Neuwirth Hole-board™ | Height 25 cm · Width 25 cm · Length 25 cm · Diameter holes 2 cm | CS-958353 | $3,290.00 | Available | 25 x 25 x 25 cm |
| Rat Neuwirth Hole Board™ | Height 50 cm · Width 50 cm · Length 50 cm · Diameter holes 2.54 cm | CS-958353 | $3,690.00 | Available | 50 x 50 x 50 cm |
Neuroscience
Assessing spatial memory formation and retrieval in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease by measuring head-poke patterns and exploration strategies.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating anxiolytic compound effects on exploratory behavior by comparing hole exploration frequencies before and after drug administration.
Learning and Memory
Investigating spatial discrimination learning by training animals to associate specific hole locations with rewards and measuring acquisition curves.
Anxiety and Depression
Quantifying anxiety-like behaviors through analysis of freezing durations and latency to first exploration in novel environments.
Developmental Biology
Tracking cognitive development across postnatal stages using age-appropriate hole sizes to assess exploration maturation patterns.
Neurodegeneration
Monitoring progressive cognitive decline in transgenic disease models through longitudinal assessment of exploration patterns and spatial memory.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify 300 Lux illumination uniformity across the apparatus surface using a calibrated light meter before each experimental session.
Why: Uneven lighting creates environmental gradients that can bias exploration patterns and confound spatial behavior analysis.
Maintenance
Inspect hole insert alignment weekly and ensure all holes remain clear of debris or cleaning residue.
Why: Partially blocked holes alter exploration patterns and can create artificial location preferences in spatial memory tasks.
Best Practices
Allow animals 2-3 minutes of acclimation in a holding area adjacent to the apparatus before testing begins.
Why: Reduces initial stress responses that can mask natural exploratory behaviors and improve data reliability.
Best Practices
Randomize hole locations for reward placement across subjects to prevent location bias in spatial learning protocols.
Why: Prevents inadvertent training effects where specific apparatus areas become associated with rewards across the colony.
Data Quality
Record ambient room temperature and humidity during testing sessions as these can influence exploratory activity levels.
Why: Environmental conditions affect rodent activity patterns and should be documented for data interpretation and replication.
Troubleshooting
If animals show reduced exploration, verify that previous ethanol cleaning has completely dried and that room ventilation is adequate.
Why: Residual ethanol vapors or poor air circulation can suppress natural exploratory behaviors through olfactory irritation.
Safety
Ensure hole insert is properly secured before each session to prevent displacement during vigorous exploration.
Why: Loose inserts can shift during testing, creating safety hazards and invalidating spatial memory paradigms dependent on consistent hole positions.
Data Quality
Establish baseline exploration patterns for each animal strain and age group in your facility before beginning experimental manipulations.
Why: Strain and facility-specific behavioral baselines improve interpretation of treatment effects and experimental reproducibility.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove apparatus components and verify inclusion of main chamber, removable hole insert, and all mounting hardware. Check for any shipping damage to the chamber walls or hole insert.
Chamber Assembly
Position the hole board apparatus on a stable, level surface away from external noise sources. Ensure the chamber is properly seated and stable before testing.
Hole Insert Configuration
Install appropriate hole insert based on animal age group (½-inch holes for postnatal day 22-55 animals, 1-inch holes for mature rats day 55+). Verify all holes are clear and unobstructed.
Petri Dish Placement
Position petri dishes beneath each corner of the apparatus as needed for experimental protocol. Ensure dishes are properly aligned with corner hole positions.
Lighting Setup
Establish 300 Lux illumination over the test area using calibrated lighting equipment. Verify uniform light distribution across the apparatus surface.
Recording System Preparation
Position video recording equipment to capture the entire apparatus area with clear visibility of all holes for behavioral analysis. Test recording quality before experimental sessions.
Cleaning Protocol
Clean all surfaces with 70% ethanol between subjects to eliminate olfactory cues. Allow complete drying before introducing the next animal to ensure odor-free conditions.
What’s in the Box
- Neuwirth Hole Board apparatus (species-specific dimensions)
- Removable hole insert system
- Assembly hardware (typical)
- User manual and protocol guide (typical)
- Cleaning and maintenance instructions (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering materials and workmanship defects. Technical support includes protocol consultation and troubleshooting assistance for optimal experimental implementation.
Compliance
AAALAC International GuidelinesCommonly used in AAALAC-accredited facilities conducting rodent behavioral research with standardized animal welfare protocols.
NIH Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory AnimalsSupports behavioral testing protocols conducted under NIH-compliant animal research programs requiring standardized cognitive assessment methods.
ARRIVE GuidelinesEnables systematic behavioral data collection that supports comprehensive reporting standards for animal research publications.
Q
What behavioral parameters can be measured with this apparatus?
A
The system measures latency to first head poke, total frequency of head pokes, freezing behaviors, and spatial exploration patterns. Additional measures include locomotor activity and time spent in different apparatus regions for comprehensive behavioral phenotyping.
Q
How do I select appropriate hole sizes for different age groups?
A
Use ½-inch diameter holes for mice or rats aged postnatal day 22-55 to prevent animals from falling through or becoming stuck. Standard 1-inch diameter holes are appropriate for mature rats beyond postnatal day 55.
Q
What is the recommended test duration and protocol structure?
A
Standard protocol involves two-day testing under 300 Lux illumination. Session length varies by research question but typically ranges from 5-15 minutes per session to capture exploratory behavior without habituation effects.
Q
Can this apparatus be used for spatial memory training paradigms?
A
Yes, the petri dish positioning beneath corner holes enables reward-based training protocols. Researchers can create spatial discrimination tasks by associating specific hole locations with food rewards or other reinforcement.
Q
How should I clean the apparatus between subjects?
A
Clean all surfaces thoroughly with 70% ethanol and allow complete air drying before introducing the next animal. This eliminates olfactory cues that could influence exploratory behavior patterns.
Q
What recording setup is recommended for behavioral analysis?
A
Position overhead video recording to capture the entire apparatus with clear visibility of all holes. Ensure adequate resolution to detect head-poke behaviors and sufficient frame rate for accurate temporal analysis.
Q
Can I modify the apparatus for specific experimental needs?
A
The removable hole insert system allows protocol customization, and corner petri dish positions accommodate various experimental stimuli. Consult product datasheet for modification specifications and structural limitations.
Q
How does this compare to standard open field testing?
A
This apparatus combines open field locomotor assessment with directed exploratory behavior measurement through hole investigation. This provides more comprehensive cognitive and anxiety-related behavioral phenotyping in a single test session.
Have a question about this product?
Score this test with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it reports the measures listed below.
What it measures
Hole Board Maze
- Total Head Dips
- Head Dip Duration
- Latency to First Dip
- Unique Holes Visited
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Creator Insights
Lorenz S. NeuwirthDeveloped the Neuwirth Hole Board TestSUNY Old Westbury — Department of Psychology and SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute
About the Creator
Lorenz S. Neuwirth is a professor of biopsychology and developmental behavioral neuroscience at SUNY Old Westbury, where he is affiliated with the SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute. His research centers on developmental behavioral neurotoxicology — in particular how early-life lead (Pb2+) exposure disrupts the developmental GABA shift from excitatory to inhibitory signaling, and the consequences for learning, memory, and anxiety-related behavior. Working initially with his doctoral advisor Abdeslem El Idrissi, Neuwirth introduced a modified hole-board apparatus that adds spatial odor-discrimination locations to the standard exploratory holes, allowing anxiety-related behavior and spatial learning to be assessed in a single session. He has applied the apparatus across studies of lead neurotoxicity and the neuroprotective effects of taurine in rodent models.
To view Lorenz S. Neuwirth’s publications, visit PubMed.
Are you Lorenz S. Neuwirth? to review your photo and bio, and find out how to submit Creator Insights.
ConductScience celebrates method creators: researchers who, through rigorous and often ingenious experiments, develop the tools that reveal how the brain and body work. These are real scientific discoveries that become everyday instruments for the labs that follow.
Foundational papers
- Neuwirth, L. S., Volpe, N. P., Corwin, C., Ng, S., Madan, N., Ferraro, A. M., Furman, Y., & El Idrissi, A. (2017). Taurine recovery of learning deficits induced by developmental Pb2+ exposure. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 975, 39–55. doi:10.1007/978-94-024-1079-2_4
- Neuwirth, L. S., Emenike, B. U., Cruz, G. B., et al. (2022). Taurine-derived compounds produce anxiolytic effects in rats following developmental lead exposure. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1370, 445–460. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-93337-1_42
Neuwirth Hole Board Test
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