Training that uses positive reinforcement techniques (which reward desired behaviour) is a valuable tool for the humane use and care of animals. Trained animals maintain a high degree of reliability in participating in experimental or husbandry procedures and are less stressed while doing so. For example, nonhuman primates can be trained to co-operate voluntarily in scientific or veterinary procedures. This reduces the need for physical restraint and/or anaesthesia and the accompanying risks to welfare and effects on scientific results. Therefore, training-related Refinement alternatives not only benefit animal welfare, but can also enhance the quality of research.
Specifically, training may provide the means to:
- improve husbandry and veterinary care
- reduce abnormal and stereotypic behaviour
- reduce aggression
- improve socialisation
- enhance enrichment programs
- improve psychological-wellbeing
This section has been adapted from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) website.
For more information on training animals, the following resources may be useful.
Online resources
Other publications
- Coleman K., Pranger L., Maier A., Lambeth S.P., Perlman J.E., Thiele E. and Schapiro S.J. (2008) Training rhesus macaques for venipuncture using positive reinforcement techniques: A comparison with chimpanzees. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS) 47(1):37-41.
- Laule G. (1999) Training laboratory animals. In: UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals, vol. 1 and 2, 7th ed. (Poole T., ed.). Oxford: Blackwell Science, pp.21-27.
- Mellor D.J. (2004) Taming and training of pregnant sheep and goats and of newborn lambs, kids and calves before experimentation. Alternatives to Laboratory Animals (ATLA) 32(Suppl.1):143-146.
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