Chapter 10 - Nutrient Requirements and Dietary Husbandry Principles for Captive Nonhuman Primates

Abstract

Diets for captive nonhuman primates must be based on science. Although evidence regarding specific nutrient requirements for most primate species is quite limited, adequate levels of most nutrients can be estimated. Nutrient deficiencies in captive nonhuman primates are unlikely to occur due to poor understanding of requirements. Rather, other factors such as the manner in which the diet is given to animals, how it is stored, failing to account for the quantity and quality of enrichment and training foods, and the underlying health of the subjects may be more consequential. Accordingly, in addition to reviewing the evidence for nutrient requirements, this chapter will focus broadly on appropriate dietary management techniques for captive nonhuman primates. This chapter reviews general nutritional principles, gives an overview of nonhuman primate nutrient requirements and interactions among nutrients, and an overview of principles of modern manufactured diets. The National Research Council Second Revised Edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates (2003) contains a compilation of the best information on the nutrient requirements of primate species and should serve as a primary source of information regarding nutrition. The base diet provided to primates should comprise a food (commercial primate biscuit, canned primate food, primate gelled food, or home-made primate formula) that is nutritionally complete. Supplemental foods should have specific purposes (e.g. enrichment, training), but must be accounted for when evaluating the diet. Highly preferred foods may dilute the overall nutrient content of the diet, and should be rationed carefully.