Neotropical primate nursery in a squirrel monkey breeding unit in Brazil.

Area of Science:

• Primatology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Saimiri (squirrel monkeys) are neotropical primates extensively used in biomedical research for human and animal health studies.
• Applications include ophthalmology, toxicology, pharmacology, neuroscience, vaccine development, and cognitive research.
• Establishing self-sustaining breeding colonies of non-human primates (NHPs) is crucial for research continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address high newborn mortality rates in captive Saimiri populations.
• To develop and implement a nursery rearing protocol to improve infant survival.
• To ensure the availability of high-quality research animals through enhanced breeding programs.

Main Methods:

• Development of a specialized nursery rearing protocol at the Laboratory Animals Breeding Center (CECAL)/Fiocruz.
• Focus on mitigating common causes of infant mortality such as maternal rejection, dystocia, and pneumonia.
• Implementation of intensive care and husbandry practices for newborn Saimiri.

Main Results:

• The developed protocol aims to significantly reduce newborn deaths in captive squirrel monkeys.
• Successful implementation is expected to increase the survival rates of Saimiri infants.
• This contributes to the establishment of more robust and self-sustaining breeding colonies.

Conclusions:

• Nursery rearing protocols are essential for improving the survival of vulnerable NHP infants.
• The CECAL/Fiocruz protocol offers a viable solution to reduce mortality in Saimiri.
• This advancement supports the ethical and effective use of NHPs in critical research endeavors.