A study of behavioural responses of non-human primates to air transport and re-housing

Abstract

SummaryMore long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) than any other primate are imported into the UK for research, and journey times may be of up to 58 h. Whilst a number of studies have examined the stress associated with transport, these have typically involved laboratory rodents and livestock, and little is known of its effect on non-human primates. This paper reports the results of a study of behavioural changes in a group of long-tailed macaques transported by air from standard breeding conditions and then re-housed in standard laboratory primate conditions. The animals were studied prior to their departure, immediately after their arrival, and 3 weeks after that. Data were collected on individual time budgets using focal animal sampling and on hierarchy using a feeding trial. The data were analysed for changes in behavioural repertoires and for social perturbation that would be re ected in hierarchical changes. Changes in behaviour occurred which re ected heightened levels of stress in the study group. It was also clear that although there was some adjustment of behaviour, after an initial change on arrival at the new establishment, there was no return to levels observed at the breeding facility within the rst month. This study demonstrates that, as a whole, the process of international air transport and re-housing in laboratory conditions may result in the compromising of the welfare of the study animals.

Enrichment and aggression in primates

“…Banks of lighting may be phased to roughly mimic dawn and dusk. On the same basis adequate temperature fluctuation on a 24-h cycle may help encourage natural behaviour such as taking a siesta during the hot part of the day and huddling at nights when it is cooler (Honess et al, 2004).…”

A pilot study on the effects of a change in behavioural management on the behaviour of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…Despite an anticipated initial increased stress response to transport and the new environment (Dickens et al, 2010;Honess et al, 2004;Mason and Green, 1962), the relocation was expected to have long-term positive effects on the chimpanzees' behaviour due to the more complex and enriched environment at the sanctuary (Bloomsmith et al, 1988;Brent, 2008, in Rosati et al, 2012;Fultz et al, 2010, in Rosati et al, 2012Jensvold et al, 2001;Kitchen and Martin, 1996;Traylor-Holzer and Fritz, 1985). It was expected that initially, abnormal behaviour would increase after relocation and would then decrease to levels similar to or lower than those measured at the laboratory (Fultz et al, 2010, in: Rosati et al, 2012.…”

“…First, transport and a novel environment are commonly recognized as stressors (Honess et al, 2004;Dickens et al, 2010;Schapiro et al, 2012), and relocation has been demonstrated to elicit negative behavioural and immunological responses in primates (e.g. Clarke et al, 1982;Honess et al, 2004;Ross et al, 2011;Schapiro et al, 2012).…”

“…Clarke et al, 1982;Honess et al, 2004;Ross et al, 2011;Schapiro et al, 2012). However, new enclosures may have positive effects on the animals.…”

Refinements in husbandry, care and common procedures for non-human primates

“…On arrival, a suitable acclimatization period is essential to allow animals to overcome any stress imposed by transport. It should also allow sufficient time and opportunity for them to become accustomed to a new physical and social environment, and allow a period of adjustment for behavioural and physiological variables to return to normal before scientific investigations are carried out (Clarke et al 1988a,b, Wolfensohn 1997, Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Welfare 2002, Honess et al 2004a). This will also allow time for positive reinforcement training.…”