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. 2024 Aug 15;14(16):2369.
doi: 10.3390/ani14162369.

Behavioral Training in First-Generation Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) for Improved Husbandry and Veterinary Procedures

Lalitta Suriya-Arunroj  1 , Motee Chimngam  1 , Chutikan Chamnongpakdee  1 , Thipchompoo Sing-Ayudthaya  1 , Chunapa Linchekhaw  1 , Nopparat Kongsombat  1 , Nutchanat Suttisan  1
Affiliations

Behavioral Training in First-Generation Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) for Improved Husbandry and Veterinary Procedures

Lalitta Suriya-Arunroj et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

Owing to their similarities to humans in various aspects, non-human primates (NHPs) serve as valuable translational models that has greatly contributed to scientific advancements. However, working with untrained NHPs can cause stress and increase the risk of injuries to both animals and care staff, compromising both animal welfare and occupational safety. Behavioral training, that benefits from animals' learning abilities to gain their cooperation during husbandry and veterinary procedures, is a well-established method to mitigate these risks. Cynomolgus monkeys, in particular, are known for being despotic, fearful, and challenging to train. Moreover, our first-generation breeders were wild-sourced from human-macaque conflict areas in Thailand. These macaque populations are accustomed with human contact; hence, their prior experience can either work for or against behavioral shaping plans. Establishing a training program with realistic expectations would benefit both the animals and trainers. In this study, six cynomolgus monkeys were selected based on temperament, then underwent a pilot training program that included basic husbandry and veterinary procedures. Over 256 training sessions with gradual shaping plans, all six monkeys went through all training steps, with progress varying considerably among individuals. Cortisol levels were measured to monitor stress responses, revealing a notable sex difference: female monkeys generally complied more easily with the trainer but exhibited a stronger cortisol increase compared to males. This study proposed a behavioral training program grounded in three essential components: temperament assessment, behavioral shaping plans, and the cortisol-based criteria for evaluating training success.

Keywords: cortisol; distress; long-tailed monkeys; primate chair; saliva collection; venipuncture.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Target and (b) station training.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Baited-rope training.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Foot target and (b) needle training.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cortisol hormone levels in (a) single-blood-collection training across sessions and (b) serial-blood-collection training across sampling time points.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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