Refining the Pole-and-Collar Method of Restraint: Emphasizing the Use of Positive Training Techniques with Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)

• Authors: Jennifer L McMillan, Emory University; Jaine E Perlman, Emory University; Adriana Galvan, Emory University; Thomas Wichmann, Emory University; Mollie Bloomsmith, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS
• Volume: Volume 53, Number 1
• Publisher: American Association for Laboratory Animal Science | 2014-01, Pages 61-68
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Subjects: Agriculture, Animal Pathology; Health Sciences, Pathology; Biology, Neuroscience

Abstract

The pole-and-collar method is one of several techniques that enable the safe transfer of a nonhuman primate from its home environment into a restraint chair without the need for sedation. It has been used within the scientific community for decades. Traditional methods to train animals for pole-and-collar use rely primarily on aspects of negative reinforcement, with very little incorporation of positive-reinforcement techniques. With increasing emphasis on animal training and welfare, research facilities are incorporating positive-reinforcement training into husbandry and experimental procedures. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of training rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta; n = 8) to cooperate for pole-and-collar transfer to a primate restraint chair. By using predominantly positive-reinforcement techniques, with supplemental elements of negative reinforcement, macaques were trained in a mean of 85 training sessions (a mean of 1085 min of training time). We also provide tools for investigators using the pole-and-collar method to help them successfully incorporate positive-reinforcement training into their procedures. This refinement has the potential to improve animal welfare and enhance the value of nonhuman primate models in research.