Premium
Pair housing of Macaques: A review of partner selection, introduction techniques, monitoring for compatibility, and methods for long‐term maintenance of pairs
Author(s) -
Truelove Melissa A.,
Martin Allison L.,
Perlman Jaine E.,
Wood Jennifer S.,
Bloomsmith Mollie A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.22485
Subject(s) - compromise , compatibility (geochemistry) , psychological intervention , computer science , psychology , risk analysis (engineering) , engineering , business , sociology , social science , chemical engineering , psychiatry
Pair housing of macaques has become a widely implemented compromise between meeting the social needs of the monkeys and allowing for their use in biomedical research. While beneficial to the animals, pair housing can provide challenges for those caring for them. Drawing from both scientific literature and direct experience, this paper provides a review of practical aspects of pair housing including partner selection, pairing methodologies, staff education, and equipment considerations. Recommendations include selecting a pairing method appropriate to the facility and the individual animals being paired, educating staff on social behavior, and establishing a pair monitoring program to facilitate long‐term pair maintenance. Assessment of behavior is essential in determining the compatibility of new pairs and in identifying established pairs that may need interventions to enhance their long‐term compatibility. The pair housing program at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center is described as one model of a successful program. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22485, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.