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Factors influencing alopecia and hair cortisol in rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta )
Author(s) -
Lutz Corrine K.,
Coleman Kris,
Worlein Julie M.,
Kroeker Rose,
Menard Mark T.,
Rosenberg Kendra,
Meyer Jerrold S.,
Novak Melinda A.
Publication year - 2016
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/jmp.12220
Subject(s) - hair loss , hair growth , primate , etiology , physiology , medicine , endocrinology , biology , dermatology , neuroscience
Background Alopecia can occur in captive non‐human primates, but its etiology is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess alopecia and hair cortisol in rhesus monkeys and to identify the potential risk factors. Methods Subjects were 117 rhesus monkeys at two National Primate Research Centers. Photographs and hair samples were obtained during routine physicals. Photographs were analyzed using Image J software to calculate hair loss, and hair samples were assayed for cortisol. Results Age, days singly housed, and their interactions contributed to the alopecia model for both facilities. Sex and location changes contributed to the hair cortisol model for Facility 1; sedations contributed for Facility 2. Alopecia and hair cortisol were associated at Facility 1. Conclusions Captive management practices can affect alopecia and hair cortisol. However, there are facility differences in the relationship between alopecia and hair cortisol and in the effect of intrinsic variables and management procedures.