University of Freiburg improves animal welfare for laboratory monkeys
Published: Thursday, Jun 13th 2024, 11:00
Back to Live Feed
Researchers at the University of Fribourg have developed a method that significantly improves the well-being of experimental macaques. In the series of tests carried out, the monkeys also showed a greater willingness to participate, as the University of Fribourg announced on Thursday.
With this new approach, the research group at the Swiss Non-Human Primate Competence Center is using a 3D-printed chin rest. This will allow the test monkeys to take breaks at their own discretion during future tests, as the press release explains further.
These researchers use the animals to study the brain's circuits in the visual system. Their aim is to understand how we see and how vision can be improved in the event of disease.
The usual method to date has been to operate an anchoring system into the surface of the primate's skull to stabilize it. Although this procedure does not cause the animals any pain, it is invasive. In order to improve animal welfare and address ethical concerns, the trend has shifted towards non-invasive methods. The new approach is also more cost-effective, which is why it is also likely to be used by other research institutions, according to the press release.
©Keystone/SDA
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic