Use of foraging racks and shavings as enrichment tools for groups of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1995 |
Authors: |
C. K. Lutz, M. A. Novak |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
captivity, feeding, primates |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430140508.abs Searching for and processing food are important activities of free-ranging primates. In contrast, captive primates spend little time foraging. Their food is readily available, easily obtained, and can be consumed quickly. The present study compared the use of foraging racks and a shavings substrate as two manipulations used to alter feeding behavior in nonhuman primates. Each method was tested in between two baseline periods (no racks or shavings present). Behavioral data were collected using a 30-sec scan sampling procedure for 1 hr during the feeding period. Both the rack conditions and the shavings condition decreased passive feeding behavior in the subjects. The use of racks also resulted in increased cage usage, activity, and movement, and decreased social proximity; the use of shavings resulted in decreased agonism. This study suggests that foraging racks and shavings are useful devices for environmental enrichment. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.