Animal Behavior Tracking
Reading worry in an open space
A rodent in a new place is torn between two urges: go and explore, or stay somewhere safe. Anxiety-like behaviour lives in that tug of war, and tracking turns it into numbers.
Open field
Time in, and entries into, the centre versus the border, with total distance as a check on plain activity. The JoVE open field protocol is a good place to start.
Elevated plus maze
A raised cross with two open arms and two closed ones. The share of time and entries on the open arms is the headline score.
Novelty suppressed feeding
A food-restricted animal meets a new arena with food in the middle. How long it hesitates before eating reflects anxiety-like caution.
Traps to avoid
- Activity changes dressed up as anxiety changes.
- Lighting or handling that differs between groups.
- Order effects when several tests run as a battery.