Nonhuman Primate

Play caging benefits the behavior of singly housed laboratory rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

This study addresses a recommendation in The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals to provide singly housed nonhuman primates with intermittent access to large, enriched (play) caging. Research on the potential benefits of this type of caging...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Griffis, C. M., Martin, A. L., Perlman, J. et al. 2013. Play caging benefits the behavior of singly housed laboratory rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). JAALAS 52(5), 534-540.

Risk factors for stereotypic behavior and self-biting in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Animal’s history, current environment, and personality

Captive rhesus macaques sometimes exhibit undesirable abnormal behaviors, such as motor stereotypic behavior (MSB) and self-abuse. Many risk factors for these behaviors have been identified but the list is far from comprehensive, and large individual differences in rate of behavior...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Gottlieb, D. H., Capitanio, J. P., McCowan, B. 2013. Risk factors for stereotypic behavior and self-biting in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Animal's history, current environment, and personality. American Journal of Primatology 75(10), 995-1008.

The relationship between environmental enrichment, temperament, and stereotypy in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Stereotypic behaviors are common in captive primate colonies, and it would be beneficial to know effective methods of remediation, and which animals are most likely to express the behavior. The first goal of this research was to determine the relationship...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Gottlieb, D. H., Maier, A., Coleman, K. 2013. The relationship between environmental enrichment, temperament, and stereotypy in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 91. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #193)

The effects of predictability in daily husbandry routines on captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed indoors experience many routine husbandry activities on a daily basis. The anticipation of these events can lead to stress, regardless of whether the events themselves are positive or aversive in nature. The specific goal of...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Gottlieb, D. H., Coleman, K., McCowan, B. 2013. The effects of predictability in daily husbandry routines on captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 143, 117-127.

Training nonhuman primates to check their watering system as a means to increase psychologic wellbeing and increase efficiency for husbandry staff

Through the use of operant conditioning methods, that is, clicker training, it is possible to train nonhuman primates to check their automatic watering system. Primate species not indicated. We will detail a training study.

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Giordano. K.A. 2013. Training nonhuman primates to check their watering system as a means to increase psychologic wellbeing and increase efficiency for husbandry staff. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 615 (Abstract #PS41).

Making use of a laser pointer as training and enrichment tool: A discussion by the Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum

We have successfully trained with a laser pointer at least one cyno in each pair/group to target to their lixits. Currently this stands at about 35 cages housing a total of 63 animals. We no longer need to check the...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Ferraro, A., Brunelli, R., Nelsen, S. L. et al. 2013. Making use of a laser pointer as training and enrichment tool: A discussion by the Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum. Animal Technology and Welfare 12, 195-196.

Using positive reinforcement training (PRT) strategies to adapt adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to daily handling demands

Research has shown animals are sensitive to environment changes and novel caretakers. The behavioral response to environmental change is often expressed as a decrease in willingness to comply or perform learned tasks. We assessed the acquisition of a shaping procedure...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal TrainingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Pierre, V., Wunsch, R., Perkins, C. et al. 2013. Using positive reinforcement training (PRT) strategies to adapt adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to daily handling demands. American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 67. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #117)

Colony-wide assessment of the foraging devices: Refinement of delivery practices, cost and the caloric content delivered via foraging devices

Foraging opportunities are a key component of enrichment in captive nonhuman primates (NHP) providing manipulative opportunities in which animals can engage in species-typical behaviors. Recent studies suggest captive NHP populations have increased body weight over time leading to negative health...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Pierre, P. J., Torres, N. A., Rosga, M. D. et al. 2013. Colony-wide assessment of the foraging devices: Refinement of delivery practices, cost and the caloric content delivered via foraging devices. American Journal of Primatology 75(S1), 82. (36th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #163)

Is training zoo animals enriching?

Husbandry training of zoo animals (training) has been associated with many benefits, and indisputably is a valuable tool; training facilitates movement of animals within their environment, and participation in husbandry and medical procedures. Training has also been considered to be...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Animal Training, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Amphibian, Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Crocodile & Alligator, Frog & Toad, Gibbon, Lemur, Lizard, Macaque, Marine Mammal, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Animal, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Reptile, Salamander, Snake, Squirrel Monkey, Turtle & Tortoise, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Melfi, V. 2013. Is training zoo animals enriching? Applied Animal Behaviour Science 147, 299-305.

An aquarium as a passive enrichment item and its effect on locomotor stereotypy in a group of singly housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Locomotor stereotypies are behaviors often seen in singly housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and are considered to represent a maladaptive response to captive environments. Social housing is the most effective means for decreasing abnormal behaviors but is sometimes unrealistic as...

Year Published: 2013Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Meade, T. M., Krall, C., Hutchinson, E. K. et al. 2013. An aquarium as a passive enrichment item and its effect on locomotor stereotypy in a group of singly housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). American Association for Laboratory Animal Science [AALAS] Meeting Official Program, 619 (Abstract #PS58).