Using positive reinforcement training techniques to facilitate the collection of semen in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) (2003)

Perlman, J. E., Bowsher, T. R., Braccini, S. N. et al.

Abstract

Positive reinforcement training techniques were used to train 7 socially-housed, adult male chimpanzees to voluntarily provide semen samples. .. Subjects had been previously trained to present their ventrums for inspection, and this behavior was modified to include the insertion of the penis in the collection apparatus. Six of the seven subjects were naive to the semen collection behavior and required training, while the seventh had been previously trained and would reliably provide a sample within 1 minute. The six naive subjects required between 13 and 720 minutes (mean = 172.6) of training to achieve the first collection. Training sessions lasted between 1 and 15 minutes and between 4 and 32 sessions (mean = 16.3) were required to achieve reliable performance. Just over 30 hours of the trainer's time was required to train, maintain, and collect 152 samples (> 11 per subject) from the 7 chimpanzees. These data emphasize the value of positive reinforcement training techniques as a means of enhancing well-being by eliminating discomfort for the chimpanzees.