Museum, University of Nebraska State
University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers
Accessibility Remediation
If you are unable to use this item in its current form due to accessibility barriers, you may request remediation through our remediation request form.
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
4-1-2008
Citation
Published in Journal of Mammalogy, 89(2): 513–517, 2008.
Abstract
We tested the use of piezo-resistive force sensors to measure bite force in small mammals. These force sensors are thin (less than 1 mm) and can be used to measure forces up to 4,500 N. A battery-operated unit, ideal for field research, can be built easily and inexpensively. We tested this sensor in the laboratory and in the field on a variety of small mammals. Although our results indicate that the sensor is somewhat less accurate (coefficient of variation = 4%) than a conventional load cell, the small size and ease of use of the piezo-resistive detector is highly desirable. We also investigated the problem of performance and physiological condition of animals. We found the problem of lack of effort by test animals can enter a significant bias into estimates of maximal bite force.
Comments
Copyright © 2008, American Society of Mammalogists. Used by permission. http://www.mammalogy.org