Hematological and serum biochemistry evaluation in howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) and capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella): A comparative study

Abstract

Non-human primates (NHPs) have various behavioral and physiological similarities to humans and are useful in evolutionary studies and in biomedical research. 1 Among platyrrhine primates, capuchin monkeys (genus Sapajus) stand out in pharmacology and neuroscience studies, 2,3 while howler monkeys (genus Alouatta) have been used in studies on infectious and parasitic diseases. 4,5 Although both species have sexual dimorphism, 6 they differ in average body mass (~5 kg for females and ~7.8 kg for male howler monkeys; ~3 kg for females and ~4 kg for male capuchins), 7 the average lifespan in captivity (26 years for howlers; up to 50 years for capuchins), 8,9 and diet. Howler monkeys are mainly folivores, with a diet rich in young leaves, shoots, buds, and different types of fiber and supplemented with fruits, seeds, and insects. [10][11][12] In contrast, capuchin monkeys have greater dietary diversity, with a

Apparent digestibility and nutritional status of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) under human care

“…The inclusion criteria for the digestibility test included normality of the physical examination, encompassing parameters such as heart and respiratory rate, coloration of the mucous membranes, lymph nodes, hydration, cardiorespiratory auscultation, palpation, and body temperature, as well as blood count within the reference range for the species. 16,17 The exclusion criteria included animals that were severely weakened, exhibited signs of disease, or showed any other abnormalities during screening examinations. The animals were dewormed prior to the start of the digestibility study.…”