MyVivarium: Streamlining Lab Animal Colony Management

Research labs face ongoing challenges in managing animal colonies. Outdated paper systems and spreadsheets hinder efficiency and accuracy, while commercial management solutions are often expensive and lack support, and open-source options often limit usability.

MyVivarium addresses these issues as a cloud-based, open-source application launched in 2025, delivering an accessible and affordable way to manage research animal colonies.

Core Functionality and Design Philosophy

MyVivarium enhances accuracy and efficiency by tracking animals in a centralized database, facilitating breeding and holding cage workflows, and utilizing QR code cage cards to link physical cages to digital records. This enables quick mobile updates, reduces errors, and brings modern technology to day-to-day colony management.

Features include user access control, automated task reminders, and strain management with RRID support. These tools standardize operations and support integration.

IoT Integration for Environmental Monitoring

MyVivarium utilizes real-time IoT-based environmental monitoring, leveraging affordable hardware to track temperature, humidity, light, and activity. This provides data on factors affecting animal well-being and breeding.

Open-Source Architecture and Deployment

MyVivarium is built on PHP and can be deployed on cloud hosting for around $6 per month. Its LGPL-licensed code and documentation are available on GitHub for transparency and customization.

Most labs can deploy MyVivarium in a matter of hours using the provided scripts and guides. Custom integration may take longer, but thorough documentation supports a smooth setup.

Support is available through GitHub for reporting issues and requesting features. The modular architecture enables troubleshooting and customization.

MyVivarium has been deployed and tested across multiple platforms and partner laboratories, demonstrating its reliability and scalability in real-world use.

Data Security and System Integration

Data security includes SSL/TLS encryption, secure password hashing, and role-based access controls. Each facility maintains its own instance for compliance.

MyVivarium's design allows integration with existing lab systems via APIs and standard database structures. Its open-source code and documentation support modifications.

Conclusion

MyVivarium provides a robust, open-source solution for laboratory animal colony management, combining ease of deployment, real-time environmental monitoring, and cost-effectiveness. The platform is immediately available for implementation, with demonstration access at demo.myvivarium.online and complete source code at github.com/myvivarium.