Socialization of adult owl monkeys (Aotus sp.) in Captivity.

Social housing has often been recommended as one-way to address the psychological well-being of captive non-human primates. Published reports have examined methods to socialize compatible animals by forming pairs or groups. Successful socialization rates vary depending on the species, gender, and environment. This study presents a retrospective look at pairing attempts in two species of owl monkeys, Aotus nancymaae and A. azarae, which live in monogamous pairs in the wild. The results of 477 pairing attempt conducted with captive, laboratory housed owl monkeys and 61 hr of behavioral observations are reported here. The greatest success pairing these owl monkeys occurred with opposite sex pairs, with an 82% success rate. Opposite sex pairs were more successful when females were older than males. Female-female pairs were more successful than male-male (MM) pairs (62% vs 40%). Successful pairs stayed together between 3 and 7 years before the animals were separated due to social incompatibility. Vigilance, eating, and sleeping during introductions significantly predicted success, as did the performance of the same behavior in both animals. The results of this analysis show that it is possible to give captive owl monkeys a social alternative even if species appropriate social partners (i.e., opposite sex partners) are not available. The focus of this report is a description of one potential way to enhance the welfare of a specific new world primate, the owl monkey, under laboratory conditions. More important is how the species typical social structure of owl monkeys in nature affects the captive management of this genus. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22521, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Locomotor activity in female rhesus monkeys: assessment of age and calorie restriction effects.

As a component of a long-term, longitudinal study of aging in this primate model, the objective of the current experiment was to assess age and diet effects on locomotor activity in a cross-sectional analysis. By attaching a motion detection device to the home cage, locomotor activity was monitored over a week in a group (N = 47) of female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) 6-26 yrs of age. About half these monkeys composed a control group fed a nutritionally fortified diet near ad libitum levels, whereas an experimental group had been fed the same diet at levels 30% less than comparable control levels for approximately 5 yrs prior to testing. Among control monkeys, a marked age-related decline in activity was noted when total activity was considered and also when diurnal and nocturnal periods of activity were analyzed separately. When comparing activity levels between control and experimental groups, only one significant diet effect was noted, which was in the youngest group of monkeys (6-8 yrs of age) during the diurnal period. Monkeys in the experimental group exhibited reduced activity compared to controls. Body weight was not consistently correlated to activity levels. In some older groups, heavier monkeys tended to show greater activity, but in younger groups the opposite pattern was observed.

A Macintosh computer system for collecting and analyzing rodent sexual behavior.

We present a Macintosh-based computer system for collection and analysis of rodent sexual behavior. Two computer programs are presented. The first is an entirely generalizable real time data collection program that records any keyboard or keypad inputs (e.g., user defined behavior codes) and their time of occurrence. The second is somewhat generalizable; we use it to analyze frequencies, durations, and latencies relative to a copulatory series (including mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations). To our knowledge, these are the first such programs available on the Macintosh platform.

Activity measures in rhesus monkeys on long-term calorie restriction.

Calorie restriction (CR), undernutrition without malnutrition, extends the mean and maximal lifespan of several ecologically diverse species. Rodents on CR demonstrate increased activity measured as spontaneous locomotion, wheel running, open field behavior or movement. Activity measures were recorded from 19 male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) as either controls (C) which were fed a nutritious diet to approximate ad libitum levels, or as experimentals (E) which were fed 30% less than age- and weight-matched controls. Within each diet group, some monkeys (n = 10) began CR at 2.3 years of age (range 2.2-2.4 yrs, J Group) while another group (n = 9) began CR at approximately 4.6 years of age (range 4-5.25, A group). Beginning about 6 years after initiation of the study, behavioral activity was measured via ultrasonic motion detectors and recorded on videotape. Diurnal and circadian activity was clearly discernible. Peaks in activity were associated with mealtime and colony husbandry. Compared to Group A, Group J monkeys exhibited higher overall activity as measured by sensors, and also significantly more circling. Compared to AC monkeys, group AE monkeys demonstrated higher rates of gross motor behavior, pacing, stereotypies and grooming. The increases in motor activity observed in one group of monkeys were consistent with results obtained from rodent studies of CR and aging. CR did not significantly inhibit or negatively influence the display of behavior of rhesus monkeys in the laboratory environment. We report here, for the first time, increases in activity due to CR in a model other than the rodent.