Conditioning of nyala (Tragelaphus angasi) to blood sampling in a crate with positive reinforcement

Abstract

Habituation and positive reinforcement procedures were successfully used for low stress blood sampling of nyala (Tragelaphus angasi) at the Denver Zoological Gardens.Four adult females and three offspring were conditioned with a food reward, to voluntarily enter a plywood crate for bimonthly blood sampling from the rear leg. Habituated and conditioned, non-sedated nyala could also be given intramuscular injections and be palpated on the udder and abdomen.• Highly palatable sliced yams and carrots were used to train the seven animals to enter the crate and allow a handler to confine each animal in it by closing a remotely controlled, vertically slide gate.• The next step was slow, careful desensitization and habituation of each animal to having its legs and body touched by a person who reached through a small hole in the side of the crate. r The animal was given yam and treats during this procedure. r The solid sides on the crate helped keep the animal calm.Successful blood sampling of an antelope.

Behavioral Genetics and Animal Science

“…During handling in zoos for veterinary treatments, nyala are often highly stressed and sometimes panic and injure themselves. Over a period of 3 months, Grandin et al (1995) trained nyala to enter a box and stand quietly for blood tests while being fed treats. Each new step in the training had to be done slowly and carefully Ten days were required to habituate the nyala to the sound of the doors on the box being closed.…”

Crate conditioning of bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) for veterinary and husbandry procedures at the Denver Zoological Gardens

“…In general, methods were similar to those used to condition nyala [Grandin et al, 1995]. First, the animals were enticed into the crate with food rewards and desensitized to the sounds and movements of the crate doors and treat dispenser.…”

“…Habituation for blood collection and actual blood collection were accomplished using the same methods and equipment described by Grandin et al [1995] for col- lecting blood from crate-conditioned nyala. Blood samples were taken for plasma cortisol analysis (RIA, Star Corp., Stillwater, MN) from unsedated animals 10-20 min after capture in the crate.…”

“…Such animal taxa include, but are not limited to cetaceans [Laule, 1993], artiodactyls [Grandin et al, 1995;Kinzley, 1993], perissodactyls [Kinzley, 1993;Michel and Illig, 1995], primates [Bloomsmith, 1992], felines and pinnipeds [Reichard et al, 1992]. Conditioning can often replace chemical immobilization or manual restraint methods, which carry significant safety risks for both handlers and animals.…”

“…Habituation and positive reinforcement techniques were used to accomplish conditioning. The methods used were similar to those described by Grandin et al [1995] for conditioning of nyala (Tragelaphus angasi). A remote-controlled feed dispenser was mounted on top of the crate.…”