Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
11:06
Laparoscopic Technique for Serial Collection of Liver and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Macaques
Published on: May 2, 2017
Recommendations for the housing of macaque monkeys
Laboratory Animals
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Long-term individual housing of laboratory macaques causes abnormal behaviors. Social housing is recommended, with individual housing only for specific, justified reasons, ensuring animal welfare and safety.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Welfare
- Primatology
Background:
- Laboratory housing conditions for macaques can impact animal behavior and welfare.
- Previous housing practices may not adequately address the social and behavioral needs of macaques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop expert recommendations for housing macaques in Dutch laboratories.
- To provide guidelines for improving social housing systems and cage requirements for laboratory macaques.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a multidisciplinary working group.
- Expert consensus on housing recommendations.
- Development of guidelines for social and individual housing systems.
Main Results:
- Long-term individual caging was found to induce persistent abnormal behaviors in macaques.
- Individual housing should be restricted to situations with compelling reasons that outweigh isolation's negative effects.
- Guidelines were established for improved social housing and cage specifications.
Conclusions:
- Social housing is preferable for laboratory macaques to prevent abnormal behaviors associated with isolation.
- Cage design and housing systems must prioritize animal welfare, including diversion, movement, and safety.
- The report serves as a legal reference for animal experiments in the Netherlands.
