Refinement techniques in experimental protocols involving Callitrichids.

Abstract

The invasiveness of biomedical experiments on laboratory animals should be limited to the greatest extent possible yet without sacrificing the quality of the data collected. To this end, refinement techniques can be used. In the present work, we describe some of these techniques, focussing on the familiarity of the experimental environment, alternative sampling techniques (including the use of positive training), telemetry, and methods for improving ethological experiments. As a model, we have chosen the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), which is frequently used in biomedical research.