Pilot study: A fully-automated system for positive reinforcement training of group-housed non-human primates

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) represents a valuable refinement of laboratory animal husbandry. Animals are trained using food reward to co-operate with mild procedures such as blood-sampling, and therefore require less restraint and show reduced stress levels than untrained animals. However, widespread implementation of PRT is hindered by a lack of staff time and training skill (Prescott and Buchanan-Smith 2007). We will develop a fully-automated system and protocols for PRT that can be used within group housing environments. Animals are identified via RFID tags and rewarded automatically with food treats for pressing appropriate colour-cued buttons. Such a system represents a refinement of behavioural neuroscience techniques since initial training can be performed without food/fluid restriction, isolation or restraint. In addition, by pre-selecting animals that respond well to this training, the number of animals required for experiments can be reduced. More generally, demonstrating welfare and operational benefits using a simple, affordable technology with established training protocols would make automated PRT highly desirable in large animal facilities, thus facilitating the uptake of PRT techniques in these settings.

This pilot study will develop and validate a fully-automated system for positive reinforcement training (PRT) of group-housed non-human primates. Using a system comprising coloured buttons (targets), cue lights and a carousel feeder under automated control of custom microelectronics, we will assess automated PRT as a refinement to conventional behavioural training. We hypothesise that automated PRT can be performed without food/fluid deprivation or isolation of animals since associations could be formed over long periods of stress-free natural behaviour. We predict that subsequent training with increasing levels of complexity will be facilitated in animals that have already acquired initial associations. In addition, we will assess automated PRT as a predictor of suitability for behavioural experiments, in order to maximise data collection and hence reduce animal numbers required for these experiments. Finally, we will incorporate RFID technology and develop training protocols to demonstrate feasibility and welfare benefits of fully-automated PRT within group-housed environments. This will facilitate the wider uptake of PRT amongst other breeding facilities, laboratories and contract research organisations (CROs).