Automated metabolic phenotyping system (indirect calorimetry) for mice

This contract relates to the purchase, delivery, installation and commissioning of a complete, automated metabolic phenotyping system for mice based on open-circuit indirect calorimetry, for the simultaneous measurement of at least 12 individually housed animals, critically including a climate-controlled environmental chamber capable of temperatures ranging from 4 °C to 35 °C and preferably with humidity control, integrated food and water intake and locomotor activity monitoring, hydrogen (H₂) and methane (CH₄) gas sensing, control and analysis software, training, warranty, consumables and maintenance. Explanation: The system will be installed within the animal facility of the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Gent, Belgium, and will be available for use by anyone with animals at this location for longitudinal metabolic phenotyping of mouse models: energy expenditure (VO₂, VCO₂, RER, heat production), substrate utilisation, feeding and drinking behaviour and spontaneous activity, combined with non-invasive, continuous monitoring of gut-microbial fermentation (H₂ and CH₄ production), under controlled temperature, humidity and light conditions. In addition to these measurements (always with single-housed mice), the environmental chamber will also be used on its own to keep group-housed mice in standard home greenline cages, without metabolic measurements, under controlled conditions for studies at thermoneutrality and/or on circadian rhythms.

The offer must include at least:

• a gas analysis system (O₂, CO₂, H₂ and CH₄) with all sampling, flow control and air-conditioning components
• 12 measurement cages for mice plus at least one reference (ambient air) channel
• per cage: gravimetric food and water intake sensors, a feeder suitable for high-fat/western diets, a drinking bottle and an infrared activity frame and microenvironment monitoring
• an environmental chamber housing all 12 measurement cages, which can also be used on its own to house group-housed mice in standard home greenline cages without measurements
• control, data acquisition and analysis software, including the necessary computer/workstation
• delivery, installation, commissioning, calibration, on-site user training and the warranty described in these specifications.