Training a Large Troop of Rhesus Macaques To Co-Operate During Catching: Analysis of the Time Investment
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1994 |
Authors: |
L. Luttrell, L. Acker, M. Urben, V. Reinhardt |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Welfare |
Keywords: |
animal welfare, handling, rhesus macaques, training procedures |
Abstract:
This study demonstrates that only a minimal time investment was needed to train a large troop of laboratory non-human primates to co-operate in the catching procedure. A group of 45 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) was trained to enter a chute system voluntarily and be caught one by one. The total duration of the training sessions was under six hours, with less than 15 total work-hours invested by three people. The result was an improved capture procedure which minimized risk to personnel and distress to the animals.