Hematologic Values of Normal Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus): a Comparison between Wild-Caught and Laboratory-Bred Male Animals

Abstract

Complete and differential blood counts were conducted on 23 male squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) of Bolivian origin. The sample included 9 laboratory-bred and 14 wild-caught adult monkeys weighing between 600 and 1,500 g. The means of total white blood cell (WBC) counts, total hemoglobin and hematocrits of laboratory-bred animals were found to be significantly different from those of wild-caught monkeys (p < 0.01). Other hematologic parameters showed no significant differences between the two experimental groups. 3 of 14 (21.0%) wild-caught animals each had 1 reactive lymphocyte and 7% of the same group had 10 nucleated erythrocytes per 100 WBC. No reactive lymphocytes or nucleated erythrocytes were observed in laboratory-bred animals. The importance of these baseline data and the basis for the differences observed between laboratory and wild-caught monkeys are discussed within the context of experimental studies involving primates in which hematologic parameters are valuable.

Biologic data of Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Saimiri sciureusused for research at the fiocruz primate center

“…Comparison of normal hematologic parameters of animals in our colonies and data in the literature (Schultz 1961, Melville et al 1967, Robinson & Ziegler 1968, Stanley & Cramer 1968, Altshuler et al 1971, Ausman et al 1976, Beland et al 1979, Matsumoto et al 1980, Suzuki 1981, Kakoma et al 1985, 1987, Yoshida et al 1989, Buchl & Howard 1997 revealed discrepancies with significance levels of 0.1, 1 or 5%. The differences in the results may be accentuated by environmental factors and/or differences in the genetic make-up of our colony animals.…”

“Long-Term Quarantine is Associated with High Cortisol and Low DNA Methylation in New World monkeys”

“…For instance, captive Brazilian howler monkeys kept 2-3 months in captivity ( Alouatta caraya ) exhibit higher cortisol levels compared to their wild counterparts (Sanchez-Sarmiento et al, 2015). Captive Squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus ) display significant variations in blood cell counts and haematological parameters compared to wild specimens (Kakoma et al, 1985). It is expected that after an initial period of arousal triggered by introduction to captivity, due to negative feedback a return to baseline would be observed (Parker-Fischer & Romero, 2019).…”