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Objective measures of health and well‐being in laboratory rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta)
Author(s) -
Smith Joshua J.,
Hadzic Vezira,
Li Xiaobing,
Liu Ping,
Day Tiffany,
Utter Amy,
Kim Byounghoon,
Washington Ida M.,
Basso Michele A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2006.00188.x
Subject(s) - nonhuman primate , non human primate , intervention (counseling) , primate , medicine , animal health , animals laboratory , psychology , veterinary medicine , biology , environmental health , nursing , neuroscience , evolutionary biology , population , research methodology
Background Non‐human primates are an invaluable part of biomedical research. Strict regulations insure animals have a maximum likelihood of well‐being and optimum health during the course of experimental procedures. Objective assessment of well‐being is a critical component of these assurances. Methods Here we describe an objective and quantitative system we used to identify two well‐being concerns in laboratory rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We provide a series of indicators for use by laboratory personnel to promote laboratory primate well‐being. The indicators measure (1) potentially life threatening clinical concerns, (2) developing clinical issues, (3) atypical behaviors, and (4) laboratory performance. We include specific criteria to facilitate veterinary intervention. Results The assessment, applied to two case studies reported here, enabled swift veterinary intervention returning the animals to a healthy state. Conclusions The measures described here provide a battery of observable and objective measures across multiple dimensions that can further ensure both excellent science and veterinary care.