Nonhuman primates (NHPs) have been invaluable in advancing our understanding of various aspects of biomedical research, from drug development to infectious disease studies. Social housing of NHPs is a critical aspect of their well-being, as it can significantly impact the validity of experimental outcomes, the animals' psychological health, and ethical considerations. This lecture explores the diverse social housing scenarios for NHPs in biomedical research settings, emphasizing the importance of choosing appropriate housing configurations that align with scientific goals while ensuring the animals' welfare.
The lecture will discuss various factors influencing social housing choices, such as species-specific requirements, age, sex, and experimental objectives. It will delve into the advantages and challenges associated with pair, group, and multi-tiered housing systems, as well as the effects of social hierarchy on research outcomes and animal well-being. Additionally, it will address the importance of environmental enrichment and social complexity in promoting NHP psychological health.
Ultimately, this lecture aims to provide researchers, animal care professionals, and stakeholders in biomedical research with valuable insights into optimizing nonhuman primate social housing scenarios, fostering scientific rigor, animal welfare, and ethical standards within the field.
