Positive reinforcement training in rhesus macaques-training progress as a result of training frequency
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2009 |
Authors: |
A. L. Fernström, H. Fredlund, M. Spångberg, K. Westlund |
Publication/Journal: |
American Journal of Primatology |
Keywords: |
efficiency, positive reinforcement training, primate cognition, prt, rhesus macaque, training frequency |
ISBN: |
02752565 10982345 |
Abstract:
Positive reinforcement training (PRT) efficiency was examined as a function of training frequency in 33 pair- or triple-housed female rhesus macaques. The animals were trained three times a week, once a day or twice a day, using PRT and a clicker as a secondary reinforcer. All animals were trained on 30 sessions, with an average of 5 min per training session per animal. The behaviors, trained in succession, were Targeting (reliably touching and following a Target); Collaborating (dominant animals allowing subordinates to train while stationing); Box-training (accepting being enclosed in a small compartment while responding to Target training) and initial Injection training.
Fulfilled criteria for Targeting were obtained in 32/33 animals in a median of nine training sessions. Collaboration was obtained in 27/33 animals in a median of 15 training sessions. However, only four animals completed Box-training during the 30 training sessions and started Injection training. When comparing training success in terms of number of training sessions, training twice a day was less efficient than the other two treatments. In terms of daily progress, our results suggest that from a management perspective, daily training is more conducive to quick training success than thrice weekly training. In addition, in this study no further advantages could be gained from training twice a day.