Jiayuan A-Type/16 Stainless Steel Dry-Housing Rat Caging Rack

Overview

The Jiayuan A-Type/16 Stainless Steel Dry-Housing Rat Caging Rack is an engineered solution for standardized, hygienic, and ergonomic housing of laboratory rats in non-SPF (Specific Pathogen-Free) or low-biocontainment research environments. Designed in accordance with internationally recognized principles of laboratory animal welfare—including those outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC, 2011) and EU Directive 2010/63/EU—the rack employs a dry-housing configuration optimized for airflow management, thermal stability, and ease of sanitation. Unlike ventilated or isolator-based systems, this passive ventilation design relies on natural convection and strategic cage spacing to maintain ambient CO₂ levels below 1,000 ppm and ammonia concentrations within OSHA-permissible exposure limits (PEL: 50 ppm). The structural integrity of the AISI 304 stainless steel frame ensures long-term corrosion resistance under repeated autoclaving, chemical disinfection (e.g., 70% ethanol, 1–3% sodium hypochlorite), and high-frequency handling in academic, pharmaceutical, and contract research organization (CRO) facilities.

Key Features

• Modular 4-tier architecture supporting 16 individually accessible rat cages—each sized to accommodate up to two adult Sprague-Dawley or Wistar rats per IACUC-recommended floor area (≥ 740 cm² per rat)
• AISI 304 stainless steel construction throughout: frame, cage boxes, feeders, and mounting hardware—certified to ASTM A240/A240M for tensile strength (≥ 515 MPa) and yield strength (≥ 205 MPa)
• Integrated 500 mL stainless steel-mounted water bottles with silicone stoppers and stainless steel sipper tubes—designed for leak-resistant operation and compatibility with standard hydration monitoring protocols
• Removable polypropylene waste trays (PP, USP Class VI compliant) with anti-slip texture and 10 mm depth for efficient bedding retention and spill containment
• Four-locking swivel casters (two with brakes) enabling stable repositioning on epoxy-coated or seamless vinyl flooring without compromising load distribution (max. static load: 120 kg)
• Tool-free cage assembly/disassembly: all cage components utilize press-fit and bayonet-style connections—no adhesives or threaded fasteners requiring torque calibration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This caging system is validated for use with common outbred and inbred rat strains—including Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, Long-Evans, and Fischer 344—under standard 12:12 light-dark cycle conditions (20–24°C, 40–70% RH). Cage dimensions (per individual unit) conform to ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity requirements for polymer components and meet mechanical safety thresholds per ISO 13857 (minimum gap clearance ≥ 120 mm between moving parts and operator access zones). While not certified for ABSL-2 or higher containment, the rack supports GLP-compliant study execution when integrated into facility SOPs covering cage change frequency (recommended: twice weekly), environmental monitoring logs, and maintenance records. All materials are traceable via batch-specific mill test reports (MTRs) supplied upon request.

Software & Data Management

The A-Type/16 rack operates as a hardware platform compatible with third-party digital husbandry systems. Cage-level identification is supported via standardized 2D barcode labels (ISO/IEC 15416 compliant) affixed to each cage front panel. Integration with LIMS platforms (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS) or animal management software (e.g., Provantis, Studylog) is achieved through RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters for manual scan logging. No embedded firmware or cloud connectivity is included—consistent with institutional IT security policies restricting networked peripherals in vivarium core zones. Audit trails for cage cleaning, animal assignment, and environmental checks may be maintained manually or imported into electronic notebooks meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.

Applications

• Chronic toxicology studies requiring multi-week or multi-month rat housing under OECD Test Guideline 408 (Repeated Dose 90-Day Oral Toxicity)
• Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiling where consistent housing conditions minimize inter-animal variability in drug absorption and metabolism
• Behavioral phenotyping assays—including open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swim tests—where minimal vibration transmission and acoustic isolation are critical
• Teaching laboratories conducting undergraduate physiology or pharmacology modules with controlled group housing variables
• Preclinical efficacy screening in oncology or metabolic disease models using syngeneic or xenograft-bearing rats

FAQ

Is this rack suitable for use in SPF-certified facilities?

No. The A-Type/16 is designed for dry-housing applications in conventional or barrier-level facilities only. It lacks HEPA-filtered air supply/exhaust integration and does not meet the ISO 14644-1 Class 5 (or better) particulate control required for SPF rodent housing.

Can the cages be autoclaved?

Yes. All AISI 304 stainless steel components—including cages, feeders, and bottle mounts—are rated for repeated steam sterilization at 121°C for 20 minutes. Polypropylene trays are autoclavable at 121°C for 15 minutes; prolonged cycles may reduce tray lifespan.

What is the recommended cage change schedule?

Per NIH OLAW and AAALAC International guidance, bedding and waste trays should be replaced at minimum twice weekly. Frequency may increase based on animal density, diet type, and observed ammonia levels—validated using colorimetric detection strips (e.g., Merck Ammonia Test Strips).

Are replacement parts available separately?

Yes. Individual cage boxes, PP trays, stainless steel feeders, and 500 mL water bottles are stocked and orderable with lead times under 5 business days. Full rack refurbishment kits—including caster assemblies and mounting brackets—are also available.

Does the rack comply with Chinese national standards for lab animal equipment?

Yes. It conforms to GB/T 27415-2012 (General Technical Requirements for Laboratory Animal Caging Equipment) and meets GB 14925-2010 (Laboratory Animal—Environment and Housing Requirements) for temperature, humidity, noise, and lighting specifications in rat housing rooms.