Abstract
BackgroundNeuroscience research using macaques remains fundamental in our endeavours to understand how the human brain functions. Applying the refinement principle of the 3Rs is essential to optimise the monkeys’ welfare and still produces high quality science. New methodHere we document refinements in our training methods for acclimation to transport devices (i.e. primate chair or transport box) while working with 46 male rhesus macaques. Our training methods always used positive reinforcement training (PRT). However, PRT was sometimes combined with negative reinforcement training (NRT), but not pole and collar techniques, to successfully transfer each monkey from its home enclosure to its transport device. Results and comparison with existing methodsTraining monkeys in pairs or groups, and starting their PRT training upon arrival within the unit reduced the days required to acclimate them. While the use of PRT is essential to establish a positive relationship with monkeys, NRT techniques are sometimes necessary, and are most effective when withdrawn immediately once the monkey makes the desired response, to reduce the days of acclimation. Once acclimatised to their chair, monkeys succeeded within 10 days to present their head voluntarily for neck-plating using PRT. Space reducers inside the chairs also facilitated head presentations for some monkeys. ConclusionsAcclimating (shaping) the monkeys to transport devices can be a stressful experience for monkeys and trainers. The adaptations to our training substantially reduced the days spent on this stage. We view this reduction in days as an effective implementation of the 3Rs (refinement) in monkey neuroscience research.
Highlights
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) remain an essential and valuable resource in fundamental neuroscience research (Phillips et al, 2014; Roelfsema and Treue, 2014; SCHEER, 2017; Mitchell et al, 2018)
Given that different monkeys started their training at different times after arriving in the unit, it was possible to analyse the differences in the number of weeks since an individual monkey had arrived in the primate unit and the time taken to acclimate it to its transport device
Our experiments and analyses indicate that when training monkeys, if possible, working with them in pairs (Group 6 and 1 animal from Group 1) or in groups (Groups 3, 4 and 5) facilitated a reduction in the number of days spent acclimating to the transport devices
Summary
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) remain an essential and valuable resource in fundamental neuroscience research (Phillips et al, 2014; Roelfsema and Treue, 2014; SCHEER, 2017; Mitchell et al, 2018). This research typically involves monkeys undergoing testing in cognitive and behavioural tasks while performance assessments and physiological parameters are measured, and electrophysiological recordings of brain cells (neurons) or neuroimaging is conducted To participate in these experiments that further our fundamental knowledge about higher brain functioning, monkeys are typically trained to enter primate chairs or transport boxes (t-box) from their home enclosures. While the use of PRT is essential to establish a positive relationship with monkeys, NRT techniques are sometimes necessary, and are most effective when withdrawn immediately once the monkey makes the desired response, to reduce the days of acclimation. Once acclimatised to their chair, monkeys succeeded within 10 days to present their head voluntarily for neckplating using PRT. We view this reduction in days as an effective implementation of the 3Rs (refinement) in monkey neuroscience research
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