Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Metabolism cages are primarily used for which type of laboratory animal?

1. Birds

2. Rodents

3. Reptiles

4. Amphibians

The correct answer is: Rodents

Metabolism cages are specifically designed for measuring the precise intake and output of food and water, as well as the collection of excreta in laboratory animals. Rodents, such as mice and rats, are commonly housed in these cages due to their small size and the ability to monitor their metabolic activities closely. The cages facilitate detailed studies of various physiological processes, including digestion and energy expenditure, which are essential in research settings. Birds, reptiles, and amphibians may have different physiological and metabolic requirements that do not align with the design and purpose of metabolism cages, making them less suitable for such studies. Each of these groups has unique characteristics that influence their care, housing, and metabolic monitoring, but the specificity and sensitivity of metabolism cages make them ideally suited for rodents.