{"Equipment":"\r\n","Procedure":"
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  1. \n\t\tAllow the mice to acclimatise to the phenotyping room for a period of 30 minutes prior to testing.
    2. \n\t
  2. \n\t\tThroughout the test note any vocalisation, aggression, salivation or unexpected behaviours.
    3. \n\t
  3. \n\t\tDuring this test, note any unexpected dysmorphological characteristics (morphological irregularities are recorded by video sequences or photos).
    4. \n\t
  4. \n\t\tPlace the mouse in a clear cylinder over a wire grid and observe for activity and tremors.
    5. \n\t
  5. \n\t\tTransfer the mouse out of the cylinder by removing the metal plate/grid whilst positioning 30cm over an arena and record the transfer arousal.
    6. \n\t
  6. \n\t\tRecord the number of 10cm2 squares the mouse moves into in the first 30 seconds in the arena (locomotor activity).
    7. \n\t
  7. \n\t\tAllow the mouse to move freely around the arena whilst being observed for gait and tail elevation.
    8. \n\t
  8. \n\t\tHold the click box approximately 30cm above the arena and press the button, record the response of the mouse.
    9. \n\t
  9. \n\t\tApproach the mouse from the front with a bent finger, aiming to touch the mouse on the back of the neck rather than on the face. Ensure the mouse is looking at the finger before approach is started. Record whether the mouse moves away before the finger touches the mouse, when the finger touches the mouse or if the mouse does not move at all.
    10. \n\t
  10. \n\t\tPick up the mouse by the tail and observe for limp grasping and trunk curl. Trunk curl must only be recorded if the mouse curls forward without twisting its body, bending to one side is not scored as a trunk curl.
    11. \n\t
  11. \n\t\tPlace the mouse in a small transparent tube. Turn the tube quickly so the mouse is fully upside down and record if the mouse rights itself.
    12. \n\t
  12. \n\t\tRecord any vocalisation and/or aggression which were observed throughout the entire test
    13. \n
\n","Purpose":"

\r\n\tSHIRPA and dysmorphology were originally always separate assessments.  However they have recently been combined as assessments, so that they take place at the same time.

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\r\n\tThe purpose of the assessments is to examine mice for obvious physical characteristics, behaviors and morphological abnormalities.

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\r\n\tDescriptions include abnormal locomotion/appearance/behavior/reflex reactions.

\r\n","Notes":"
    \n\t
  1. \n\t\tIf wiping down with ethanol prior to the use of equipment, make sure no ethanol residue remains as the ethanol may affect the behaviour of the animals.
    2. \n\t
  2. \n\t\tThe validity of results obtained from behavioural phenotyping is largely dependent on methods of animal husbandry. It is important that individuals following this procedure are experienced and aware of the animal’s welfare, and is familiar with the animal being tested, in order to reduce the anxiety levels of the animal prior to testing.
    3. \n\t
  3. \n\t\tThe majority of mouse behavioural studies are age/sex/strain dependent. It is important to keep these parameters comparable throughout a single experiment.
    4. \n\t
  4. \n\t\tEnvironmental factors may contribute to the levels of anxiety within the mouse. The temperature, humidity, ventilation, noise intensity and light intensity must be maintained at levels appropriate for mice. It is essential that the mice be kept in a uniform environment before and after testing to avoid anomalous results being obtained.
    5. \n\t
  5. \n\t\tIt is recommended that all phenotyping experimentation is conducted at approximately the same time of day because physiological and biochemical parameters change throughout the day.
    6. \n\t
  6. \n\t\tWhen a number of mice are tested continuously, residual odours from the equipment used in the preceding test may affect the test results. The floor and walls of the arena, ruler, and metal net should be wiped clean before introducing the next mouse. To prevent infection, the equipment should be washed with water at the completion of the day's tests. Some specific pathogen-free facilities use ultraviolet irradiation when tests are not being performed. Care needs to be taken, however, to ensure that ultraviolet irradiation does not crack any acrylate equipment covered with residual alcohol.
    7. \n
\n","Experimental Design":"
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