TY - JOUR
T1 - The use of positive reinforcement training to reduce stereotypic behavior in rhesus macaques
AU - Coleman, Kristine
AU - Maier, Adriane
PY - 2010/5
Y1 - 2010/5
N2 - Stereotypic behavior is a pervasive problem for captive monkeys and other animals. Once this behavior pattern has started, it can be difficult to alleviate. We tested whether or not using positive reinforcement training (PRT) can reduce this undesired behavior. Subjects for this study were 11 adult, female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with a history of locomotor stereotypy (e.g., pacing, bouncing, and somersaulting). We assessed baseline levels of stereotypic behavior and then utilized PRT to train six animals to touch a target and accept venipuncture. The other five monkeys served as controls. We assessed stereotypic behavior 1 week a month for 4 months, on days in which the monkey was not trained. Trained animals showed a significant reduction in stereotypic behavior after 1 month of training, compared to control monkeys (Mann-Whitney U = 28.00, P = 0.02). These group differences did not persist after the first month (Month 2: Mann-Whitney U = 19.50, P = 0.40, Month 3: Mann-Whitney U = 17.0, P = 0.71, Month 4: Mann-Whitney U = 17.00, P = 0.72). Still, the majority of the trained monkeys (n = 4) engaged in less stereotypic behavior at the end of the study compared to baseline. Thus, training may be an effective way to reduce stereotypic behavior, at least for some individuals.
AB - Stereotypic behavior is a pervasive problem for captive monkeys and other animals. Once this behavior pattern has started, it can be difficult to alleviate. We tested whether or not using positive reinforcement training (PRT) can reduce this undesired behavior. Subjects for this study were 11 adult, female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with a history of locomotor stereotypy (e.g., pacing, bouncing, and somersaulting). We assessed baseline levels of stereotypic behavior and then utilized PRT to train six animals to touch a target and accept venipuncture. The other five monkeys served as controls. We assessed stereotypic behavior 1 week a month for 4 months, on days in which the monkey was not trained. Trained animals showed a significant reduction in stereotypic behavior after 1 month of training, compared to control monkeys (Mann-Whitney U = 28.00, P = 0.02). These group differences did not persist after the first month (Month 2: Mann-Whitney U = 19.50, P = 0.40, Month 3: Mann-Whitney U = 17.0, P = 0.71, Month 4: Mann-Whitney U = 17.00, P = 0.72). Still, the majority of the trained monkeys (n = 4) engaged in less stereotypic behavior at the end of the study compared to baseline. Thus, training may be an effective way to reduce stereotypic behavior, at least for some individuals.
KW - Nonhuman primate
KW - Operant conditioning
KW - Stereotypy
KW - Welfare
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77950519957&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=77950519957&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.02.008
DO - 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.02.008
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:77950519957
SN - 0168-1591
VL - 124
SP - 142
EP - 148
JO - Applied Animal Behaviour Science
JF - Applied Animal Behaviour Science
IS - 3-4
ER -