Environmental enrichment techniques in non-human primates. The case of Callitrichids.
In this paper, we discuss issues concerning the welfare of non-human primates used in laboratory research from an eco-ethological standpoint and suggest means of improving welfare. Following a brief review of the use of non-human primates in European countries and of the legislation that governs this use, we illustrate how a thorough eco-ethological knowledge of the species being studied can play a vital role in improving both its conditions and the quality of the experimental protocols, arguing that the animal's quality of life is closely linked to the quality of data. As a model for describing environmental enrichment techniques, we have used the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).
Vitale
Augusto
A
Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Neuroscienze, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy. vitale@iss.it
Manciocco
Arianna
A
D032761:Animal Experimentation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D000821:Animal Feed; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D000818:Animals; D002143:Callitrichinae; D004777:Environment; D005060:Europe; D006799:Housing, Animal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D012931:Social Environment