Create New Subjects

To create a new subject, some data is required: a unique name, the tag ID of its RFID capsule, and its baseline weight. To obtain the RFID tag, place the animal in the corridor area where the RFID reader is located. Go to the MONITOR screen and ensure the RFID reader is activated. The animal should be detected, and its tag will appear in a log message at the bottom of the screen. To view this message, make sure SYSTEM_INFO is selected so that the log appears at the bottom.

Note

All messages displayed in SYSTEM_INFO are recorded in the /data/events.csv file located in your project folder. You can also preview this CSV file by going to the DATA screen and checking the EVENTS table.

Next, go to the DATA screen and select the SUBJECTS table. By clicking the ADD button, a new row representing a subject will be created. Complete or edit its parameters as follows:

• name: The subject’s name.

• tag: The ID of its RFID capsule.

• basal_weight: Weigh the animal to record its baseline weight as a reference.

• active: Change the value to ON to allow the animal to access the behavioral box.

• next_session_time: By default, this is set to the date and time the subject is created.

• next_settings: Assigns the settings defined as default settings in the training protocol.