Animal Behavior Analysis Solutions

Recording, Analysis & Playback of Ultrasonic Vocalizations
SONOTRACK is the first full spectrum
ultrasound recording, analysis andplayback system on the market,
specifically designed for use in animal
research laboratories. SONOTRACK iseasy to use and opens possibilities tomeasure pain, distress, anxiety,comfort, social interaction and generalanimal welfare based on ultrasonicvocalizations (USV).
The SONOTRACK system
SONOTRACK is a non-invasive measurement system that uses thelatest technology to record and analyze the full range of ultrasoundsfrom 15 kHz to 125 kHz. SONOTRACK applies highly sensitive
microphones, low-noise amplifiers and the latest acquisition
hardware to detect USV’s that can be weak to very loud. In contrast
to bat detector based systems SONOTRACK doesn’t require pretuning and has an extremely good signal to noise ration that is not
obtained with bat detectors.
The recorded signals can be analyzed with the powerful visualizationand quantification tools in the SONOTRACK software. This includes
several graphical presentations of the USV's, playback of ultrasonicsignals in audible signals for humans, automatic USV counting inuser definable frequency bands and powerful result summaries ofyour total experiment.
The optional Ultrasound Playback hardware and software enables
you to playback recorded USV’s as well as artificial sound patterns toyour animals and use them as Ultrasound stimulus signals.

The meaning of Ultrasonic Vocalizations
About Metris
Metris is a solution provider for automated animal behavior analysis. We
offer both off the shelf and tailor made solutions for non-invasive
measurement of animal behavior. All solutions provided contribute to afurther Refinement, Reduction and Replacement of laboratory animalresearch. Metris actively works together with trend setting research
institutes and companies and has several strategic alliances with othermarket leaders in the field of animal behavior research.
Besides of SONOTRACK Metris also offers the award winning LABORAS(for automated continuous behavior recognition and tracking of smallrodents) and SLEEPSIGN (a software package that automatically identifies
several sleep stages based on EEG and EMG).

Ultrasonic Vocalizations are sounds that are well beyond thehuman range of hearing and are emitted by various species,
mostly in the range of 15 kHz to 125 kHz. These vocalizations
serve several purposes, amongst others: navigation (bats),communication and expression of the emotional well being (forexample by rodents).
Rats and mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations in a variety ofsituations, for instance in response to stress, anxiety and pain(22 kHz) or during social interaction like sexual behavior (50kHz). Mouse and rat pups emit ultrasounds in response toseparation from their mother and litter mates. These ultrasonicvocalizations can be used as an indicator of emotional andmotivational status. In animal models of stress, anxiety, painor sexual behavior, but also in studies of well-being ofanimals, USV is an accepted and sensitive parameter.

Metris B.V.
PO Box 3023

2132 KA Hoofddorp

The Netherland

Tel. +31(0)23 5623400

www.metris.nl

info@metris.nl

Animal Behavior Analysis Solutions

Recording, Analysis & Playback of Ultrasonic Vocalizations
Unique Features of SONOTRACK
Full Spectrum Analysis:
SONOTRACK digitizes and stores the complete ultrasoundsignal, creating several unique possibilities of in-depth analysis.
Multi-channel continuous recording and playback:
SONOTRACK records up to 4 independent channels and canbe set to record only signals above a user defined threshold.
SONOTRACK plays back up to 2 independent channels of
prerecorded Ultrasound signals (or artificial signals). Playback
and recording can be done simultaneously.
High Performance microphones and amplifiers:
Sensitive microphones and low noise amplifiers guarantee
detection of both low and high level USV's. Microphones can bechained together to cover bigger areas such as big cages oropen field arenas.
High Performance 50W amplifier and speaker:
Wideband amplifiers and speakers enable realistic playback ofultrasound signals to your animals.
Powerful USV visualization tools:
The USV's can be analyzed by means of several graphicalpresentations such as 2D and 3D sonograms, frequency plots andtables can be easily copied and pasted in other applications such as
Mircosoft Excel. Ultrasounds can be converted to make themaudible for humans and can be saved in the commonly used .AVIformat.
Automatic USV counter:
Flexible USV counter that can be adjusted to your experiment andcan quickly determine the most important USV parameters overlarge data sets.
Result Summary Generator:
Creates a compact summary of large datasets that will enable you to
do efficient statistical analysis of your USV data and to get quickly tothe end points of your research.

Ordering information
SONOTRACK can be delivered in several configurations.
Depending on your research requirements you can choose thenumber of channels that can be recorded, the number ofmicrophones per channel and the optional Ultrasound Playback
module.
More information can be obtained through our website or bycontacting Metris b.v. or one of our qualified distributors.

Metris B.V.
PO Box 3023

2132 KA Hoofddorp

The Netherland

Tel. +31(0)23 5623400

www.metris.nl

info@metris.nl