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[Nursing procedures for cynomolgus monkey infants (author's transl)]
Jikken Dobutsu. Experimental Animals
|April 1, 1976
Summary
Artificial nursing of infant cynomolgus monkeys using a human baby milk formula resulted in normal physical growth. This study provides a successful artificial feeding schedule for young macaques.
Area of Science:
- Primate research
- Animal husbandry
- Developmental biology
Context:
- Artificial nursing is crucial for infant primate studies when maternal care is unavailable.
- Establishing reliable artificial rearing protocols is essential for maintaining healthy primate populations in research settings.
- Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are widely used models in biomedical research, necessitating effective infant care methods.
Purpose:
- To describe the methodology and outcomes of artificial nursing for infant cynomolgus monkeys.
- To evaluate the physical growth and development of artificially reared macaques.
- To establish a practical artificial feeding schedule for infant cynomolgus monkeys.
Summary:
- Eight infant cynomolgus monkeys were artificially nursed from birth or two days postpartum using a human baby milk formula, supplemented with apple juice and later solid foods.
- The dietary regimen transitioned from milk-based to solid food around 12 weeks of age.
- Artificially reared infants exhibited normal physical growth, comparable to breast-nursed counterparts, with one case of slight growth retardation.
Impact:
- This study demonstrates the feasibility of successfully rearing infant cynomolgus monkeys artificially.
- The developed feeding schedule can serve as a valuable resource for primate facilities.
- Ensuring normal development in artificially reared primates supports their use in critical research endeavors.