Metabolic Chamber

A metabolic chamber is a confined space for studying an animal's metabolic function. Dry air is pulled through the chamber at a set and measured rate by a pump and flow regulator, passing through a dehumidifier column that removes water and carbon dioxide, and then sent to an oxygen analyzer. Under these conditions, oxygen consumption can be accurately measured using the fraction of oxygen in the influent and effluent air.

As with any experiment, every effort must be made to ensure the data collected is accurate and so reproducible. In the winter, deer develop a thicker undercoat which they shed in the summer. This means that at different times of year, deer will be better adapted to different temperatures and so show differing metabolic rates.

Figure 1. Diagram of a metabolic chamber.