Refinement of study design using positive reinforcement training in macaques (2004)

Iliff, S. A., Friscino, B. H., Anderson, L. C.

Abstract

Implementation of Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) to refine and modify study procedures conducted with rhesus macaques results in enhanced welfare for both animals and caregivers. Capitalizing on the macaques intelligence and their capability to learn and perform tasks with appropriate motivation, PRT can reduce or eliminate the need for sedatives or restraint. PRT is useful for standard husbandry procedures such as feeding and transferring animals between cages. It can also be used to facilitate sample collection from animals. Standard pharmacokinetic or metabolism study paradigms for evaluation of pharmaceutical test compounds require frequent collection of blood, bile and/or other body fluids from animals instrumented with catheters and subcutaneous access ports. Collection of these samples can be technically challenging, time consuming and potentially stressful for both personnel and the animals. However, when PRT is used to conduct sampling procedures in the animals home enclosure, stress is minimized as evidenced by lower cortisol levels. ... The use of PRT increases positive interaction between the animals and people, decreases the potential for animals and personnel stress and improves the overall efficiency of the experimental procedure.