Evaluating enrichment use in group-housed rhesus macaques (<i>Macaca mulatta</i>): A machine learning approach.

ABSTRACT: Environmental enrichment programmes are widely used to improve welfare of captive and laboratory animals, especially non-human primates. Monitoring enrichment use over time is crucial, as animals may habituate and reduce their interaction with it. In this study we aimed to monitor the interaction with enrichment items in groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), each consisting of an average of ten individuals, living in a breeding colony. To streamline the time-intensive task of assessing enrichment programmes we automated the evaluation process by using machine learning technologies. We built two computer vision-based pipelines to evaluate monkeys' interactions with different enrichment items: a white drum containing raisins and a non-food-based puzzle. The first pipeline analys

SUBMITTER: Ciminelli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11655280 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature