Training nonhuman primates to perform behaviors useful in biomedical research

Abstract

Data collected from NHPs that are trained to participate voluntarily in husbandry, veterinary, and research procedures are likely to have particular value. The authors present the results of a series of studies that examined the effects of PRT on the performance by chimpanzees of a variety of biomedically relevant behaviors: presenting their perineum for pinworm testing, providing a semen sample, presenting for an s.c. injection, and presenting for an i.m. injection. The overall trends across studies indicate that PRT techniques have significant value in the handling and management of NHPs in many laboratory research settings, including less variability in the data collected and fewer potential confounding variables, which should lead to important refinements in the definition of NHPs as biomedical research models.

Nonhuman Primates

“…It is defined as a form of operant conditioning where an animal receives a reward for performing a desired behavior (Veeder et al, 2009). Nonhuman primates have been trained to present for injections, blood/urine/semen collections, body temperatures, dental exams, cardiac and respiratory auscultations, wound treatments, cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds, acupuncture, and laser treatments (Laule et al, 1996;Perlman et al, 2003;Schapiro et al, 2005;Coleman et al, 2008;Magden et al, 2013). Using this training technique, nonhuman primates have been trained to voluntarily comply with various husbandry procedures as well as various clinical procedures.…”

Considerations in the Selection and Conditioning of Old World Monkeys for Laboratory Research: Animals from Domestic Sources

“…In the text below, we describe some of the experiences that animals undergo in the transition from living in a breeding colony to being enrolled in a project, and we cite some of the relevant literature that can help answer the question posed above. Because behavioral and biomedical research protocols vary considerably, we do not consider aspects of conditioning that are more project specific, nor do we address the growing literature demonstrating the beneficial effects of training the animals to cooperate on research-related tasks such as phlebotomy, receipt of injections, and other tasks (Bentson et al 2003;Reinhardt 2003;Schapiro et al 2003Schapiro et al , 2005.…”

Positive reinforcement training affects hematologic and serum chemistry values in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

“…Positive reinforcement training (PRT) techniques, used as a part of nonhuman primate behavioral management programs, can be beneficial for both the practicing humans and the animals. The use of PRT can 1) increase effective human-animal communication, 2) help gain the animals' trust by giving them increased control and choice, 3) enhance the animals' well-being [Bloomsmith et al, 1993, Laule et al, 1992, 4) facilitate husbandry practices [Bloomsmith et al, 1994;Laule & Desmond, 1990;Reichard et al, 1993], and 5) improve veterinary and research procedures [Desmond & Laule, 1987;Lambeth et al, 2000;Laule et al, 1996;Perlman et al, 2001Perlman et al, , 2003Perlman et al, , 2004Schapiro et al, 2005]. Training animals to voluntarily cooperate in management, husbandry, and veterinary procedures can also enhance health and safety by decreasing stress and reducing the risk of injury to the animals [Anzenberger & Gossweiler, 1993;Baker, 1991;Bunyak et al, 1982;Grant & Doudet, 2003;Knowles et al, 1995;Luttrell et al, 1994;Moseley & Davis, 1989;Phillipi-Falkenstein & Clarke, 1992;Priest, 1991;Reichard et al, 1993;Rogers et al, 1992;Vertein & Reinhardt, 1989].…”