Presentation Details
Cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) behaviour assessments for laboratory animal management

Lucia Amendola1, 2.

1Laboratory Animal Medicine and Surgery, Charles River Laboratories, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.2Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract


Behavioural assessments are critical for management programs that improve laboratory animal welfare. We created a data capture and interpretation tool to assess macaque (Macaca fascicularis) behaviour, which included observer approach, treat acceptance, vocalizations, social, abnormal and defence behaviours; behaviours were grouped into positive or negative based on context and valence. Behaviour was evaluated in a disruptive event (introducing new individuals into an established population; n = 40) and stable housing (during quarantine; n = 634). Responses were evaluated three days prior, one and seven days after the disruptive event. Stable conditions were evaluated weekly for four weeks. Data was analyzed using linear mixed models, with time and sex as factors and cage identity nested within room and facility as random intercept. Negative behaviours increased due to disruption but returned to baseline levels seven days later (F2,44 = 5.87, p < 0.01). Under stable housing, observer approach and treat acceptance increased over time (F3,324 = 4.67, p < 0.01; F3,327 = 8.21, p < 0.0001). The tool provided necessary data to evaluate management programs and improve animal welfare.

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