Compartmentalization of ultradian periods of activity of OF1 mice placed in different sized cages

Male OF1 mice are enclosed in cages of different dimensions (cage A = 23 x 8 x 8 cm, cage B = 36 x 27 x 17 cm), in an alternating LD regimen, at an ambient temperature of 22-23 degrees C. The successions of the behavioral sequences of ultradian activity periods are noticed by direct observation during 11 following hours in L. The experimental situation modifies the mean duration time and the behavioral organization of each activity period. However, the comparison of the overall activity time lengths and the comparison of the overall behavioral frequencies suggest that the energy spent per mouse is constant whatever is the experimental cage.