Moomaw, H., Abney, D., Duffy, A. et al. 2018. A successful strategy for social housing adult male cynomolgus macaques in triads. American Journal of Primatology 80(S1), 31-32 (40th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists Scientific Program, Abstract #62).

At Charles River, we are committed to ensuring all animals have the highest level of care and welfare. For juvenile, subadult and adult female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), we have a near 100% success rate for social housing. Sexually mature males, defined as 5 kg or greater, pose a unique challenge when triads (groups of three) are required by study design. We have developed a successful process to socially house mature males in triads. During the initial introduction, all three males are given grooming access and monitored for compatibility. After a minimum of 48 hr of grooming access, full social access is attempted and begins by evaluating affiliative behaviors towards the male housed in the middle cage. The two animals showing more affiliative behavior are attempted first. After approximately 15 minutes, if mild to no aggression is observed, the third animal is given full access. In 2016 we evaluated 52 triads in this paradigm and 62% were successfully housed at full contact for two weeks or longer. Overall, this system avoids social housing exemptions and improves the welfare for many animals in our facility.