Estimating energy expenditure in mice using an energy balance technique.

OBJECTIVE

To compare, in mice, the accuracy of estimates of energy expenditure (EE) using an energy balance technique (TEEbal: food energy intake and body composition change) vs indirect calorimetry (TEEIC).

SUBJECTS

In 32 male C57BL/6J mice, EE was estimated using an energy balance (caloric intake minus change in body energy stores) method over a 37-day period. EE was also measured in the same animals by indirect calorimetry. These measures were compared.

RESULTS

The two methods were highly correlated (r(2)=0.87: TEEbal=1.07*TEEIC-0.22, P<0.0001). By Bland-Altman analysis, TEEbal estimates were slightly higher (4.6±1.5%; P<0.05) than TEEIC estimates (Bias=0.55 kcal per 24 h).

CONCLUSION

TEEbal can be performed in 'home cages' and provides an accurate integrated long-term measurement of EE while minimizing potentially confounding stress that may accompany the use of indirect calorimetry systems. The technique can also be used to assess long-term energy intake.