How Low Can You Go? How 4 Degrees Celsius Affects Metabolic Rate in Mice

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the effect 4 degrees Celsius has on the metabolic rate of mice. To answer the question, “How does decreasing the environmental temperature to 4 degrees Celsius affect the metabolic rate in mice?” we decided to run several trials that tested two mice at room temperature (21-23 C) and 4 degrees Celsius for a 5 minute period. We did this in order to measure the amount of CO2 admitted by the mouse. We measured CO2 levels because it is expelled by an organism during metabolism, and activity directly affects the amount expelled. Our results summarize how lowering the environmental temperature of mice increased their metabolic rate. The key impact of our research is to aid the feeder mice breeding industry in developing housing and environmental conditions that will produce a healthier and more nutritious mouse for reptile consumption and for mice used in a laboratory setting.