Low-temperature urine collection apparatus for laboratory rodents.

An apparatus for the collection of urine at -19 degrees C from unrestrained small laboratory animals was developed. The cooling unit accommodated five rodent metabolism cages for the collection of urine volumes up to 50 ml per collection period. The unit operated continuously for 5--6 weeks with no maintenance other than removal of the urine specimens, cleaning of the cages and collection dishes, and provision of feed and water.