Baker, K. C. 2012. Implementation of pair housing for laboratory primates. American Journal of Primatology 74(S1), 31. (35th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #20)

There is a general consensus among those studying the welfare of captive primates that social housing is the most effective means for promoting psychological well-being. It is well established that socially-housed rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) demonstrate welfare that is superior to those that are singly-housed, and research in other species are broadly consistent with these findings. In a biomedical context, the intersection of research needs, animal needs, regulatory issues and facility resources can present a plethora of challenges to the optimal implementation of pair housing. Practical factors may introduce potential complications and constraints; examples include 1) limited partner options, 2) project assignment and reassignment timelines, 3) experimental appliances, compounds, and schedules, 4) engineering constraints, and 5) finite human resources. In addition, research-related and clinically-required exemptions from social housing may not always be straightforward. This workshop will include participants from National Primate Research Centers, universities, private industry, and a European biomedical facility. It aims to disseminate objective and research-driven assessments, systematic cost/benefit comparisons, and successful strategies for approaching potential impediments to social housing in a variety of species. This workshop is being developed under the auspices of the National Primate Research Center Behavioral Management Consortium and the American Society of Primatologists Primate Care Committee.

Year
2012