Date & Time

June 27, 2019. 13:00-

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Lecturer

Prof. Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith

Behaviour and Evolution Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland

The common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, is the most frequently used a New World primate in laboratory research and testing, due to its small size, apparent breeding success, and easy handling which makes them comparatively inexpensive to keep. However, there are considerable welfare problems associated with their use in laboratories, even within the 3Rs framework (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) which underpins humane experimentation on animals. Environmental enrichment is a critical component of Refinement, one of the 3Rs. In this presentation I discuss why primates housed in laboratories, which often have constraints of space and study protocols, are a special case for enrichment. Using the five categories of environmental enrichment (Physical, Social, Food, Cognitive/occupational, and Sensory) I illustrate how an understanding of the natural history of marmosets can inform welfare decisions for housing and husbandry in the laboratory. I highlight the link between welfare and quality of scientific output, especially in relation to positive reinforcement training and restraining marmosets. I conclude that the promotion of good welfare is critical for ethical reasons, financial reasons and also for good science.