Online resources for improving the care and use of non-human primates in research

Abstract

Abstract. Published literature and scientific events provide opportunities to expand knowledge and develop skills in the care and use of non-human primates (NHPs) in research. Increasingly, these traditional routes of information exchange are being complemented by dedicated online resources aimed at sharing best practice in NHP care and use, and enhancing the training and professional development of laboratory staff working with NHPs. This article outlines some key online resources from the UK's National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) and other organisations with an interest in NHP research, and the ways in which the resources can be integrated into staff training and research practices to enhance animal welfare, quality of science and application of the 3Rs.

What does the nose know? Olfactory function predicts social network size in human

“…For most non-human mammals, smell is essential for recognizing social hierarchy and territory, and identifying conspecifics and predators 1 2 . As human developed language and other cognitive abilities for socialization, the olfactory genes for survival and social function under selection pressure decreased and pseudogenes accumulated 3 .…”

Incorporating animal agency into research design could improve behavioral and neuroscience research.

“…Van Patter and Blattner (2020) suggested core principles to follow with animals: nonmaleficence, beneficence, and voluntary participation (Webb et al, 2019). Positive methods exist and have proved to be efficient (Laule et al, 2003; Prescott et al, 2010; Prescott, 2016; Prescott & Buchanan-Smith, 2003; Prescott & Buchanan-Smith, 2007; Schapiro et al, 2003). Use of cooperation handling in macaques instead of chair restraint leads to a diminution of stress, decreases the use of sedation, and increases behavioral acquisition (Graham et al, 2012).…”

“…False negatives or false positives mean that studies show respectively negative (not expected, Hypothesis 0) or positive results (expected, Hypothesis 1), but these results are not due to the tested condition (e.g., a drug, a gene, an environmental condition) but due to uncontrolled factors (e.g., stress, personality). Indeed, stress and coercion (i.e., the animal is immobilized and restrained in an apparatus, such as a chair for primates or a box or a system of collars for rats or dogs) cannot only modify some behaviors but also entirely prevent others from being displayed (Lecorps et al, 2021; Mason et al, 2019; Prescott, 2016). Some authors, such as Van Patter, Blattner, Matsuzawa, King, and McMillan considered that the current 3R framework is not sufficient to ensure that animals are meaningful participants in experiments, which is crucial to guarantee that scientific results are not altered by stress or personality of animals (King, 2021; Matsuzawa, 2016a; McMillan et al, 2014; Van Patter & Blattner, 2020).…”