Developing the GR1800 “Double Decker” Rat Cage By Corporate Marketing Department - Tecniplast, Buguggiate - Product Description

Aims “To design a new (IVC) cage that provides for the behavioural needs of the rat and is in compliance with the guidelines, if not exceeds them.” The prime drivers: WELFARE and NORMAL behaviour

Regulations Body Weight Number of animals in Double Decker Home Officeover 550g4 ETS 123over 600g3 DD floor area: 1862 cm 2 – in 2

Regulations AnimalWeight, gFloor area/animal, in 2 Height, in Rats < Up to Up to Up to Up to > 500≥707 ILAR (US) Body Weight Number of animals in Double Decker ILAROver 500g4 DD floor area: 1862 cm 2 – in 2

The Rats Needs Needs of the rat were primary focus Rats need to be housed in groups – social interaction Large enough for at least three animals Space should be complex to allow play, climbing and exploration in three dimensional space Bi-pedal posture possible; height from 18 to 37 cm in the cage Food and water at floor level to allow maximum flexibility - including breeding and housing weak or sick animals. Darker area of the cage for rat shelter

The Technicians Needs Cage should be as light and preferably square to improve weight distribution for manual handling Ease of observation Allow access without removing from racking Easily cleaned Compatible with automated cleaning processes Satisfy legal requirements including occupational health requirement to contain allergens Confident relaxed rats

Solution Divide the cage into an upper and lower storey Legal height allowance above and below the decks Upper deck is shaped in a “U” The animals can rear up to the full height of the space Able to jump or climb up and down Explore the more complex 3 dimensional environment Area under the deck will provide a shady zone for hiding or sleep Deck removable for washing

The Double Decker Hatch (optional) for easy access to interior Bottle position moved to the cage top: simmetric cage base Food hopper fitted under deck divider, removable Increased floor space on the bottom deck

Double Decker cage’s features Microbiological filter with co- moulded silicone gasket Silicon gasket protruding radially from the cage base Self-centering bottle depressions Perfect visibility into the cage Four non-invasive nozzles ensure ventilation of the entire cage volume

The Cage Overall Dimensions: mm 403 x 462 x 404 (in x x 15.89) (L x W x H) Floor area: 1808cm 2 (280 in 2 )

Floor Area Upper deck area 808 cm 2 (125 in 2 ) Total floor area = 1862cm 2 ( in 2 ) Lower floor area: 1054 cm 2 (155 in 2 )

Cage height Upper deck height:20cm (7.88 in) 54 % of the cage floor area has a height of over 20 cm (7.88 in) Full height up to 38cm (14.97 in) Lower floor Height: 18cm (7.09 in)

Why use a ‘sky deck’ Encourages natural behaviour - bi-pedal posture, climbing etc Gives the animals a choice of environment Provides a shelter with lower light levels Reduces cage footprint - better weight distribution Easily removed for washing

Hatch Provides easy access to animal, without removing cage from rack Animals are able to detect room smells under negative pressure Allows the food hopper to be removed without taking the cage off the rack

Food And Water Provision Mesh hopper: aids climbing, capacity of 0.8kg 2 water bottles, or pouches Estimated weight with 3 Rats 600 g, 600ml Water, 800 g Pellet = 8.65Kg (19 pounds)

Cage with hatch open

Remove food hopper

Configurations: The racks and the AHU Single side: 12 cages rack 16 cages rack Double side: 24 cages rack 32 cages rack A single Smart/Easy/Sky Flow can be connected to a maximum of 48 cages, either in a single or double side rack configuration (example: 4 racks of 12 cages each or 2 racks of 24 cages each)

Configurations: With the hatch or Without the hatch

Configurations: Cages Red Sky Deck Raised Floor Grid

Configurations: Cages High Capacity Food Hopper Top for water pouches

Static Configurations: Cages Wire bar lidPSU top

Different type of cage changing procedure Only Base (and Sky Deck) every week Top every 2 weeks or more Partial Cage Change

Different type of cage changing procedure Base + Top + Sky Deck every week Total Cage Change

403 mm 462mm Dimensions GR 1800 Possible issues with a standard changing station

Biosafety Changing Station for GR 1800 – BSD60 Full protection Animal/Operator/Environment

BSD60 Adjustable front opening Cage changing position 290 mm Maximum opening 450 mm In the protected area (Tecniplast / Marketing / Line 4 – Laminar Flow / BSD 60) further information, videos and pictures on the changing procedures are available

Washing accessories Presentation rack Hatch crate Food hopper crate

Conclusions Cage provides for the rat and technicians requirements Encourages natural behaviour, bi-pedal posture, climbing etc Gives the animals a choice of environment Provides a shelter with lower light levels Animals able to detect room smells under negative pressure Reduces cage footprint Better weight distribution Easily removed for washing Easy access to animal, without removing cage from rack Food hopper can be removed without taking the cage off rack

Thank you, any questions?