Factors affecting the successful pairing of unfamiliar common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) females (2001)

Majolo, B., Buchanan-Smith, H. M., Morris, K.

Abstract

There are no data available on factors affecting the success rate for pair formation in female marmosets. Same sex aggression between unrelated females is well documented in marmosets, yet laboratories frequently require individuals of the same sex to be housed together to prevent breeding during experimental procedures. In this study, data on the formation of 46 common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) female pairs in a laboratory were analysed. The success rate was 83%. The age of the females appears to be a critical factor in success rate, and aggression is lower if one member of the pair is not yet sexually mature (i.e. < 12 months). The results of this study show that pairing unfamiliar common marmoset females can be accomplished safely to avoid single housing when natural social grouping is not feasible.