Taking Better Care of Monkeys and Apes: Refinement of Housing and Handling Practices for Caged Nonhuman Primates

This publication reviews the literature on the Refinement of traditional housing and handling practices for nonhuman primates who live in cages alone, in pairs or trios; articles dealing with group-housed animals (four or more animals) are not included. Published material has been reviewed if detailed data and sufficient information are provided that would allow the replication of the study in a different facility.   Purely descriptive or theoretical material has not been included. Table of Contents: 1 INTRODUCTION; 2 DEFINITIONS (Refinement, Distress and Well-Being); 3 SIGNS OF REFINEMENT; 4 DISTRESSING CONDITIONS (Barren Cage, Separation from the Companion; Social Conflicts, Enforced Restraint); 5 DISCUSSION (Compatible Companionship, Foraging Opportunities, Access to the Vertical Dimension, Positive Reinforcement Training); 6 CONCLUSIONS; 7 References.

137 pages. 71 photographs. Suitable for animal caretakers, animal technicians, clinical veterinarians and research workers who are responsible for the welfare of caged primates to alleviate the animals' avoidable burden of distress. This publication may be ordered here. One free copy to individuals at research facilities. A free online PDF (3MB) file is available here.

ISBN: 978-0-9384-1496-4

Price: Softcover: US$3.00. PDF file: Free of charge