A metabolism cage is used to measure which of the following parameters?

A metabolism cage is used to measure which of the following parameters?

• A. Food and water intake
• B. Feces and urine output
• C. Oxygen and carbon dioxide
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Measuring how a laboratory animal uses energy involves tracking input, output, and how the body uses fuel. A metabolism cage is designed to do all of these: it can record how much food and water the animal consumes, collect and quantify feces and urine, and, with the right equipment, measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to assess metabolic rate. Each part gives a piece of the energy balance puzzle—the amount taken in, the waste produced, and how efficiently the body is using nutrients. When all three are measured, you get a complete picture, so the option that includes all of these parameters is the best choice.

Measuring how a laboratory animal uses energy involves tracking input, output, and how the body uses fuel. A metabolism cage is designed to do all of these: it can record how much food and water the animal consumes, collect and quantify feces and urine, and, with the right equipment, measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to assess metabolic rate. Each part gives a piece of the energy balance puzzle—the amount taken in, the waste produced, and how efficiently the body is using nutrients. When all three are measured, you get a complete picture, so the option that includes all of these parameters is the best choice.