The original M.I.C.E.® System is a modular, high density vented caging system for healthy housing of rodents. These systems are available in a wide variety of sizes from the smallest 14-cage system ideal for small studies and experiments, to large 140-cage racks suitable for installation in medium-to-large animal rooms. Each size of rack is based on multiples of the 14-cage module. M.I.C.E.® caging systems are sold in both single-sided and double-sided versions. The M.I.C.E.® system is the only rodent caging system in the world validated for Microenvironmental comfort, Isolation, Containment, and Enrichment (M.I.C.E.®). The M.I.C.E.® rack is vented using a building's HVAC exhaust system, with a natural convective assist from the populated cages themselves. With no blowers, it is appropriate and safe even in case of power failure-a unique feature that separates the vented M.I.C.E.® system from all other electrically-powered and blower-ventilated racks.

MICROENVIRONMENTAL

Adequate and comfortable ventilation with good air quality and stable conditions.

The M.I.C.E.® system is a negative pressure, vented isolation container with enrichment structures. The cage and rack are a closed-system that uses filtered venting by convection, HVAC-assist, and direct exhaust venting to provide adequate air changes per hour without drafts, metabolic contaminant buildup, and without the need of mechanical ventilation. Cage ventilation uses thermodynamics of low air inlet and high air exhaust. Thermodynamics are: 1) convective heat transfer -- the metabolic heat that rises towards the top and exits through the vent located at the highest end of the cage; 2) buoyant flow -- the flow process in and out of the cage; and 3) conservation of mass -- as warm air exits the cage, cooler air must enter through the vent located near the bottom of the cage. M.I.C.E.® cages are designed for a one-pass airflow at low velocity from large filtered air inlet to exhaust vent ports. Both filtered-air inlet and exhaust vent ports cover more than three (3) square inches of filtered air openings. The M.I.C.E.® system eliminates high turnover of dry air, noise and vibration inherent in individually ventilated caging system that are pressurized by blowers through small air valves.

Smoke tests in wind tunnel

The vented M.I.C.E.® caging system eliminates the problems normally associated with individually ventilated caging systems. One-pass airflow solves the issue of high turnover of dry air in the cages. The M.I.C.E.® system is noise and vibration free, while having superior husbandry and population density benefits. It provides a stable, healthy and stress-free microenvironment, making it ideal for difficult-to-breed transgenic, knockout, and immunocompromised mice strains. Stable conditions provide less inter-animal variability, and fewer animals are needed to reach statistical significance. Our one-pass air circulation pattern ensures gas exchange and stable conditions while eliminating air re-circulation, turbulence, and dead air space. M.I.C.E.® caging reduces the biological consequences of variable air quality to a minimum. For more detailed research information, download the document (PDF format) titled Microenvironmental Comfort in the Technical Information section.

ISOLATION

Prevents Environmental & Biological Contamination.

The M.I.C.E.® system uses barrier seals and filtered passive ventilation to prevent environmental and biological cross-contamination. Unlike an open 'petri-dish' design, the M.I.C.E.® system uses a labyrinth joint between the cage top and bottom to ensure sealing. A similar joint is used at the cage top/feeder lid interface. The water bottle features a specially designed sealing ring at the bottle cap interface. This closed system design combined with the passive, filtered ventilation of the M.I.C.E.® caging system assures biological barriers and adequate, draft-free ventilation. For more detailed information, download the document (PDF format) titled Isolation in the Technical Information section.

CONTAINMENT

Prevent Release of Allergens, Odors, and Infectious Agents.

The M.I.C.E.® system uses airflow under negative pressure differential to protect laboratory personnel from animal-related allergens and infectious agents. Everyday users of the vented M.I.C.E.® caging system fail to detect odors emanating from cages and racks populated with rodents. Rodent users suffering from allergies have testified on their ability to work again in animal facilities using the vented M.I.C.E.® caging system. The induced negative pressure through each M.I.C.E.® cage is maintained through the plenum and venting hose by the building exhaust, providing complete evacuation of contaminants and allergens directly to the outside. This type of ventilation provides a contamination and allergen-free environment for the users. For more detailed information you can download the document (PDF format) titled Containment in the Technical Information section.

ENRICHMENT

Environment appropriate to the species.

M.I.C.E.® cages have several features to enrich the animal environment. The raised ridge across the cage front, the V-shaped feeder in the center of the cage, and the properly angled and located sipper tube all contribute to increased rodent welfare. An optional tunnel-shaped trough is also available. The enrichment and compartmentalization promote social interaction and normal behaviores such as exploring, burrowing, climbing, hiding, and nesting. Other advantages include: extended cage-changing periods, increased reproductive performance, and less aggressive or barbering behavior. Generally, users can expect more pups per litter, higher survival rate, faster weaning periods, and healthier, more docile mice. For more detailed information you can download the document (PDF format) titled Enrichment in the Technical Information section.