Survey of prevalence of overweight body condition in laboratory-housed cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Abstract

Excessive weight gain has been reported to occur in captive cynomolgus macaques with little to no change in diet. Overweight body condition can result in development of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes and should be avoided. The purpose of this survey was to assess the prevalence of overweight cynomolgus macaques in North American research facilities, including breeding colonies and short-term and long-term facilities, and to describe current methods used to assess body condition. The survey consisted of 51 questions covering animal population demographics, body weight and body condition scoring, feeding, and behavior. Voluntary participants included veterinarians and animal care managers. Respondents from 13 facilities completed the survey, and information was collected on 17,500 cynomolgus macaques. The majority of surveyed facilities housed juvenile and young adult macaques. The reported prevalence of overweight (greater than 10% of ideal body weight) animals ranged between 0% and 20% and reportedly was more frequent in animals younger than 10 y. Most facilities had weight reduction strategies in place. Despite these programs, a significant proportion of animals were reported as being overweight. The results of this survey demonstrate that most North American facilities housing cynomolgus macaques recognize the importance of tracking body condition regularly. However, implementing effective weight reduction programs may be difficult in captive housing environments. Because of the potential for adverse health effects, facilities should have a means of regularly tracking body weight as well as an action plan for managing overweight animals.

Figure 1.

Survey administered to assess the prevalence of overweight body condition in cynomolgus macaques housed in North American research facilities.

Figure 1.

Survey administered to assess the prevalence of overweight body condition in cynomolgus macaques housed in North American research facilities.

Figure 1.

Survey administered to assess the prevalence of overweight body condition in cynomolgus macaques housed in North American research facilities.

Figure 2.

Population distribution, using means of each age category, of (A) male and (B) female cynomolgus macaques at North American research facilities (n = 13) according to a survey of the prevalence of overweight body condition in laboratory-housed cynomolgus macaques.

Figure 3.

Current estimated percentage of overweight body condition in cynomolgus macaques at North American research facilities (n = 13) according to a survey of the prevalence of overweight body condition in laboratory-housed cynomolgus macaques.

Figure 4.

Participant responses (n = 15) to 2 opinion questions regarding social status and overweight body condition in cynomolgus macaques according to a survey of the prevalence of overweight body condition in laboratory-housed cynomolgus macaques. (A) Does social status influence body condition? (B) Which social rank would most likely be associated with overweight condition? The options ‘affiliate’ and ‘subordinate’ were not selected by any of the respondents.

Figure 5.

List of potential food enrichment items used by facilities.