Behavioral assessment in animal models is often a necessary component for answering research questions effectively. The Behavioral Core provides a range of paradigms to measure discrete and varied forms of behavior, which can then be related to underlying physiological processes. Our modular equipment and software allows either automated or experimenter-based recording to facilitate rapid acquisition of data.

Our Facility

Our facility is located in the Animal Resource Center (ARC) within the Lee Medical Building on the USD campus in Vermillion.

Subjects can be housed in state of the art holding facilities (contact ARC Director Kevin O’Kelley and/or ARC Manager Megan Carlson for further details on animal housing). Behavioral testing rooms are adjacent to holding rooms, minimizing transport stress.

Behavioral testing rooms are fully enclosed to prevent disturbance and distraction from outside sources. Rooms are equipped with overhead digital cameras that feed images to automated tracking software. Rooms also have adjustable lighting to permit testing under normal or reverse light cycle conditions.

Available Equipment

A variety of rodent testing apparatuses are available for use, including:

Water maze (large & small), radial arm maze (8-arm) and T-maze
Spatial learning and memory assessment along with tests for cognitive executive function, e.g., working memory and attention.
Open field (large & small)
Anxiety, locomotion, novelty responses and social interaction.
Elevated plus maze (large & small)
Generalized anxiety.
Automated tracking of subject movement using Noldus Ethovision software:
Allows rapid processing and collation of data, which can be easily exported to other programs for statistical analysis.
Laptop computers loaded with Noldus Observer XT software:
Experimenter-based scoring of specific non movement-based behaviors, e.g., aggression and stereotypy.