Chapter Twenty-Four

Nonhuman Primates

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Nonhuman Primates

 1% of total no. vertebrates used in research  > 250 nonhuman primate species  Anthropoids = humans, apes & monkeys  Prosimians = all other primates  African & Asian origin = Old World monkeys •rhesus, cynomolgus & baboon •eyes set close together •nostrils open downward •cheek pouches •some have callous pads on their buttocks

Nonhuman Primates II

 South & Central America = New World monkeys  squirrel monkeys, owl monkeys & marmosets  long prehensile tail to help them climb  nostrils open to the front or sides  Sometimes purchased as conditioned animals captured in the wild, held in captivity.

 Increasing % used in research annually in US are bred in this country.

Handling & Restraint

 Susceptible to many human diseases.

 Carriers of many diseases which infect humans.

 for example, Herpes B virus which may be fatal in humans 

Always

wear lab coat or gown, mask, eye or face shield, gloves, cap & protective footwear.

 Regard even playful, friendly NHP w/ caution.

 Handle using chemical restraint, heavy leather gloves or pole & collar device .

 Adult male of large species less dangerous by trimming or removing canine teeth.

Handling & Restraint II

 Physical restraint for animals weighing < 9 kg:  Wear heavy, double-layer gloves w/ long armlets.

 Hold forearms behind back w/ 1 hand, extend legs firmly w/ other hand.  Chemical restraint:  immobilize in squeeze cage, injecting drug into arm or leg through cage door.

 Ketamine hydrochloride is drug most commonly used.

Physiological Data

 Data for rhesus & cynomolgus monkeys, most common primates used in research  Body temperature: 98.6

°-103.1°F  Heart rate: 120-180 / min.

 Respiratory rate: 35-50 / min.

 Weight: adult 6-11 kg; newborn 550 gm  Water consumption: 400-600 ml / day  Food consumption: 400-600 gm / day  Life span: 20-30 years

(Image) Restraint and Exam

Sexing & Breeding

 Male has externally visible, pendulous penis w/ testes in scrotal sac; female has vulva.

 Male larger & more aggressive than female.

 The selection of a breeding program depends on the species and the purpose for which they are being mated.  Monogamous & harem mating for increased production.

 Old World female has menstrual periods similar to human female.

 New World female has estrous cycle similar to other animals.

(Images) Pairs

Sexing & Breeding II

      Most birth 1 baby at a time, usually at night.

 Most females good mothers, raise offspring with little aid.

 Occasionally mothers abandon or mistreat young, necessitating separation & hand raising infant.

 females known to adopt abandoned infants.

Sexual maturity: 4-5 years Estrous cycle: 28 days Gestation: 150-175 days Litter size: 1 (marmosets often have twins) Weaning: 12-24 months

Behavior

 Social benefit by contact & communication w/ same species.

 Inquisitive, grab anything within reach.

 Keep small items concealed.

 Body language & behavior peculiar to species.

 Can tell mental & physical health from body language.

 Usually sit on buttocks or lie on resting perch.

 Outdoors, enjoy sunning in a variety of positions.

 Sleep sitting up w/ head bowed or lying on side.

 Walk quadrupedally or bipedally.

Husbandry

 Group or individually housed  Play w/ their feces & food.

 Cleaning may take > time than w/ other species.

 Food greasy & can cause slippery floor.

 Cage must meet 2 important criteria:  Material must withstand attempts to gnaw & pull apart.

 Door fastener must be secured w/ padlock.  Squeeze cage for blood collection, drug administration & other manipulations  Sanitize every 2 wks.

(Images) Gang Housing

Husbandry II

 Separate incoming primates from animals already in facility.

 House in small groups of less than 6 - 10 / room.

 Assign a number & start medical record.

 Observe for signs of illness, TB test & screen for enteric pathogens.

 Quarantine period for 31 - 60 days  Very susceptible to tuberculosis  TB tests more than 2x / year.

 intradermally into eyelid  Redness or swelling at injection site may indicate TB.

Husbandry III

 Environmental enrichment necessary  opportunity to behave as though they were wild  House groups of monkeys together.

 not always possible due to space limitations, incompatible animals (adult males) & research project requirements  Provide animals w/ toys, food treats, contact w/ other monkeys & interaction w/ personnel.

Diet

 Most use commercial monkey food.  Diet of New World monkeys should contain adequate vitamin C & vitamin D3.

 Give daily food allowance in 2 or 3 equal portions throughout day.

 Supplement w/ fruits and vegetables  Supplement New World monkey diets w/ natural foods such as fruit & nuts.

 Teach juveniles & adults to use automatic watering valve by adjusting valve to leak slightly.

 Start hand-reared newborns on bottle w/ sipper tube, switch to automatic devices when older.

Additional Reading

Bennett, B.T., C.R. Abee, R. Henrickson.

Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research: Biology and Management

. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 1995.

Fortman, Jeffrey D., B. Taylor Bennett and Terry A. Hewett.

The Laboratory Non-Human Primate

. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1998.