Training rhesus macaques for venipuncture using positive reinforcement techniques: a comparison with chimpanzees

Area of Science:

• Primate research
• Animal behavior
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Enhancing nonhuman primate psychological well-being is crucial in research settings.
• Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) is increasingly used for voluntary participation in procedures.
• Blood draws are common but stressful procedures for nonhuman primates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of PRT for voluntary venipuncture in rhesus macaques and chimpanzees.
• To challenge the assumption that macaques cannot be trained similarly to apes.
• To provide data supporting PRT for macaque husbandry and research.

Main Methods:

• Adult rhesus macaques (n=8) and chimpanzees (n=4) were trained using similar PRT techniques.
• Subjects were trained to place an arm in a 'blood sleeve' and remain stationary.
• Repeated blood samples were collected following successful training.

Main Results:

• Successful repeated blood sample collection was achieved in 75% of macaques and 100% of chimpanzees.
• Training duration did not significantly differ between macaques and chimpanzees.
• PRT proved effective for both species in facilitating venipuncture.

Conclusions:

• Rhesus macaques can be trained for venipuncture using PRT methods comparable to those used for chimpanzees.
• PRT offers a viable method to reduce stress and increase voluntary participation in procedures for macaques.
• These findings support the broader application of PRT for improving the welfare of nonhuman primates in research.