Most modern techniques for quantifying and analysing behavior rely on video analysis of recorded pictures. Earlier methods typically used photoelectric cells, which had weak spatial resolution and gave only a coarse measure of animal activity in very artificial conditions. Compared to these, modern techniques permit much finer analyses of many details of animal behavior, combined with a very high degree of automation.

In this context, we have developed a new integrated platform for recording and analysing behavior, based on the treatment and analysis of video recordings. It can be used for many standard behavioral tests (e.g. Morris water maze, elevated maze, radial maze, zero maze, open field), as well as others tailored to suit the field of experimental interest. Another advantage of this new system is its speed of treatment, which allows different types of movement to be distinguished (e.g. slow and fast movements, stereotypy). Its speed has been optimised by using an improved video card. Another advantage of this system is the level of control it allows during all stages of the test, from beginning to end.

These new techniques do not require any specific regulations, and the system is fully adjustable for working under a variety of conditions (e.g. variable light). The system can also be extended to allow the connection of other image sources (e.g. camcorder or video recorder). It allows users to control and observe behavioral tests being conducted at different sites, using the same equipment with a special multiplexer video unit.

By describing and demonstrating this new system, we aim to broaden its field of applicability and show how it can be used to run an efficient behavioral study, while optimizing all material and software parameters.

Paper presented at Measuring Behavior 2002 , 4^th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research, 27-30 August 2002, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

© 2002 Noldus Information Technology bv