Animal metabolism unit

An animal metabolism unit, for encaging a test animal and collecting and separating matter excreted by the animal, comprising a cage having a foraminous bottom, a funnel below the cage for receiving excreted matter passing through the bottom, a deflector in the funnel over the discharge opening of the funnel, a conical skirt at the lower end of the funnel having an upwardly opening annular channel around the inside thereof for collecting liquid matter flowing down on the interior of the skirt from the funnel, the channel surrounding a central opening, and a receptacle for collecting solid excreted matter removably fitted in the opening. A stand supports the cage in an elevated position and permits substantially instant access to the separated liquid and solid excreted matter.