A cage-based training, cognitive testing and enrichment system optimized for rhesus macaques in neuroscience research.

ABSTRACT: In neurophysiological studies with awake non-human primates (NHP), it is typically necessary to train the animals over a prolonged period of time on a behavioral paradigm before the actual data collection takes place. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) are the most widely used primate animal models in system neuroscience. Inspired by existing joystick- or touch-screen-based systems designed for a variety of monkey species, we built and successfully employed a stand-alone cage-based training and testing system for rhesus monkeys (eXperimental Behavioral Intrument, XBI). The XBI is mobile and easy to handle by both experts and non-experts; animals can work with only minimal physical restraints, yet the ergonomic design successfully encourages stereotypical postures with a consistent positioning

SUBMITTER: Calapai A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5352800 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature