Refinement of the use of non-human primates in scientific research (2006)

Rennie, A. E., Buchanan-Smith, H. M.

Abstract

In this second part of a three-part review we summarise published information on housing and husbandry practices, and describe ways to minimise contingent inhumanity associated with the use of primates in laboratories and their breeding and supply (where inhumanity is defined as the infliction of distress). We also discuss methods by which the welfare of these animals can be maximised on a day-to-day basis. The principles of enrichment, aspects of the housing environment, social and physical enrichment and acquision are discussed. Environmental enrichment is a refinement which maximises the well-being of laboratory-housed primates.