Automated chair-training of rhesus macaques.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuroscience research on non-human primates usually requires the animals to sit in a chair. To do this, typically monkeys are fitted with collars and trained to enter the chairs using either a pole, leash and jump cage. Animals may initially show resistance and risk injury. We have developed an automated chair-training method that minimizes restraints to ease the animals into their chairs.

New method

We developed a method to automatically train animals to enter a primate chair and stick out their heads for neckplate placement. To do this, we fitted the chairs with Arduino microcontrollers coupled to a water-reward system and touch- and proximity sensors.

Results and comparison with existing methods

We found that the animals responded well to the chair, part

SUBMITTER: Ponce CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4801710 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature