Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
points, or by walking through the enclosure. Close obser-
vation of primates in large enclosures can be improved with
the use of binoculars. Animals housed in smaller enclosures
such as indoor/outdoor runs or corn cribs are easier to
observe because the structure restricts their ability to move
away from the observer.
Primates in group enclosures should be captured peri-
odically for health evaluation. Capture of animals housed in
group enclosures may be accomplished by moving animals
through a tunnel device which allows animals to be sepa-
rated and transferred into transport boxes (
Phillippi-
Falkenstein and Clarke, 1992
). Capture of a primate that
must be separated from a large group may be difficult and
require the use of nets and extra personnel. Capturing
animals in group enclosures is more hazardous to personnel
than removing animals from individual cages. This poten-
tial hazard can be reduced by: (1) use of trained, experi-
enced, and well supervised personnel; (2) use of properly
designed equipment and facilities; and (3) training the
animals so that capture procedures are a familiar event.
Veeder et al. (2009)
describe methods for training manga-
beys (Cercocebus atys atys) to shift enclosures.
Primates in group enclosures may be marked with
symbols to assist with identification (also see Chapter 11).
Animals may be identified by symbols painted on the hair
coat with a dye that will remain on the hair from 1 to 6
months. The amount of time that the dye remains on the
hair depends on the season of the year and the hair shedding
cycle. Face tattoos may also be used but require a clear
view of an animal's face. A suntanned face and facial hair
obscure facial tattoos. Numbered plastic tags hung on neck
chains have been used with some success, but should be
selected and monitored to reduce risks of strangulation.
Subcutaneously implanted electronic devices are being
used with mixed success. The subcutaneous implants may
migrate to different anatomical locations after being
implanted. After several years, the implants are sometimes
difficult to locate.
Disease control and health monitoring are more difficult
in group-housed primates because of the limited ability to
closely observe and capture these animals. These difficul-
ties can be diminished with trained, motivated, and expe-
rienced personnel who can identify and remove sick and
injured animals for veterinary care.
Advantages of this type of water system are ease of
observation and assurance that the animals can attain water;
also, water does not freeze easily when running continu-
ously, and it provides play and cooling opportunities
around the water fountain.
Automatic Devices
Advantages of the “on-demand” automatic nipple watering
system are improved sanitation and reduced wastage.
Disadvantages include its potential for unrecognized failure
or damage by the animals and seasonal risk of freezing
unless adequate precautions are taken to provide additional
insulation and heat.
Providing drinking water in receptacles such as tanks or
buckets is less desirable because of potential for contami-
nation. Care should be taken to assure that accessory
sources of water such as puddles do not constitute a hazard
(
National Research Council
(Institute for Laboratory
Animal Research), 2011
).
Feeding
Food that is prepared in the form of biscuits and supplied to
group-housed animals should be provided in a sheltered
area and protected from precipitation. Many primates select
food by picking up one biscuit, examining it, dropping it,
and selecting another biscuit. Feeding strategies should be
developed to reduce food waste and contamination. Food
hoppers should be designed for easy sanitization.
Depending on the group size and demographical compo-
sition, it may be necessary to provide food in multiple
locations so dominant animals cannot prevent other
animals from obtaining food. Sufficient amounts of food
should be provided to group-housed animals to assure that
all animals are fed adequately. Monitor food utilization
closely so that large amounts of food are not wasted or
allowed to accumulate at the feeders. Food that is not
consumed may spoil and attract birds and other pests.
Remove excess food from previous feedings on a regular
basis.
Vermin Control
In outdoor facilities and to a lesser extent indoor/outdoor
facilities, vermin and pest control is difficult. Rodent pests
include rats, moles, gophers, and mice
Drinking Water Systems
Continuous Flow
Water may be provided continuously from a free-flowing
source or from an “on-demand” automatic watering device.
Disadvantages of free-flowing water systems are water
waste, difficult sanitization, requirement for adequate
water drainage, and potential for water contamination.
all able to tunnel
under perimeter foundations and live in the ground under
cement foundations, concrete slabs, movable shelters, and
play apparatus. Other potential disease vectors include wild
mammals such as skunks, opossums, raccoons, coyotes,
feral cats and dogs, and wild birds, amphibians, and
reptiles. These animals may transmit diseases potentially
hazardous to the nonhuman primates housed in the
e
