Search the website

Why should I use PhenoTyper?

When observing rodent behavior, it is important to have the best tools to aid you in your work. There are many factors that make PhenoTyper the best at what it does.

  • You can easily adapt the setup to your research
  • It saves you time and decreases animal stress
  • Validated and highly published for a wide range of applications

Do you want to know more about the benefits of having PhenoTyper in your lab?

Ask us your question
Animated rack of PhenoTyper 2

A versatile system

PhenoTyper top-unit with module removed

There is not just one PhenoTyper, there is only your PhenoTyper. The size, walls, and add-ons can be adjusted to your specific preferences and needs. Due to this flexibility, you can use PhenoTyper for a variety of long- and short-term tests. Having a PhenoTyper in your lab allows you to use one device for these types of observations.

A great track record

Since the launch in 2004, PhenoTyper has become increasingly popular in researchers' behavioral tool kit. PhenoTyper has been used and validated in thousands of publications in renowned journals. It has a proven track record and increases your publication power! Furthermore, PhenoTyper has been validated for a variety of paradigms like:

  • Accommodate multiple animals to test social interaction
  • Video tracking with EthoVision XT
  • Use light to do anxiety response tests
  • Test operant conditioning
  • Perform optogenetic research
PhenoTyper publication chart

Better data, easier acquisition

Heatmaps and behavioral tracks from EthoVision XT

Save time and decrease time-based variances, by conducting multiple repetitions at the same time. You can use multiple PhenoTypers simultaneously to increase the throughput of your experiment. The PhenoTyper has all the requirements to serve as the subject’s home-cage.

Once the subject is well adjusted to its cage it will experience less stress during the experiment. Moreover, once you set up your PhenoTyper, you can take your measurements with a constant camera position and programmed timed events. Consistency is key considering repeatability.

The PhenoTyper is powered by EthoVision XT, this makes a lot of the data acquisition process automated. The PhenoTyper was developed with EthoVision XT in mind and thus is the ideal tool to perform video tracking.

Why measuring in a home cage matters

Feature PhenoTyper Conventional tests
Stress level Low High
Handling needed Minimal Often
Lab space Multiple tests in one Space needed for every individual test
Output High Throughput Single test at a time
Cost effectiveness One system that can be adapted A new purchase for every test
Ease of use Automatically integrated with EthoVision XT Time needed for setting up every time

What can I use PhenoTyper for?

PhenoTyper has been used in a great variety of studies, from long-term homecage observations to short behavioral tests and optogenetics. Do you want to know more about how What you can achieve with PhenoTyper? Then, follow the link below.

Applications

How do you use PhenoTyper?

If PhenoTyper is the body, than EthoVision XT is the brain. PhenoTyper is fully programmable by EthoVision, which limits the interactions the animals have with technicians and researchers. Read more about how to use PhenoTyper on the methodology page.

Setup

How do I expand my PhenoTyper setup?

PhenoTyper can be customized to your research needs. PhenoTyper comes in a variety of sizes and with various add-ons. Think pellet dispensers, shelters, running wheels or equipment for optogenetics. Discover all the ways you can personalize your PhenoTyper on the add-ons page.

Add-ons

Learn more about PhenoTyper

Because of its customizability, the PhenoTyper is a great fit for many types of behavioral research. Many researchers have gone before you and have made great use of the PhenoTyper in a wide variety of behavioral research applications.

Resources

Ready to take the next step?

We’re passionate about helping you achieve your research goals. Let’s discuss your project and find the tools that fit.

Contact us