Husbandry and Management Core

Project Summary/Abstract - Husbandry and Management Core The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) has one of the largest rhesus monkey breeding colonies in the United States. This resource has provided animals for NIH-funded HIV/AIDS-related research projects for several decades and is a critical component of the TNPRC’s successful research program. Because over half of all research projects using animals produced at the TNPRC are initiated by Affiliate (outside, non- TNPRC) investigators, this resource is essential to the success of many NIH-funded investigators throughout the country. The TNPRC has a long history of deriving, developing, and managing large specific- pathogen free (SPF) macaque breeding colonies. The experience gained from many years of colony management is a significant contributing factor to the successful establishment of the U42 colonies and achieving the goal of converting all TNPRC rhesus monkey breeding colonies to SPF status. The TNPRC has focused on a philosophy of continuous improvement fostered by management strategies developed using evidence derived from observation, controlled scientific study, and the literature. This philosophy is employed in many areas of the program, including housing, behavioral management, husbandry practices, nursery rearing, preventive medicine, and clinical veterinary care. The objective of this application is to request funds for continued support and maintenance of the TNPRC’s SPF and expanded SPF (eSPF) rhesus monkey breeding colonies that support NIH-funded HIV/AIDS-related research. The maintenance of the U42 breeding colonies requires the integration of several aspects of the animal care program at TNPRC, including veterinary care, behavioral management, genetic monitoring, and viral testing to ensure continued SPF or eSPF status. This section describes the husbandry and management of the SPF and eSPF colonies and focuses on daily care operations, behavioral management, and clinical care. The Specific Aim of this core is to provide husbandry and veterinary care for the SPF and eSPF breeding colonies established in the existing U42 grant. This includes robust programs for clinical care and behavioral management. The SPF colony has reached a mature status with ideal demographics to produce up to 150 animals per year for research assignment based on production and demand. The eSPF portion of the colonies will continue to expand through rederivation to provide this valuable resource to investigators. Program income generated by the sale of animals will be returned to an account for use in supporting the aims of the grant.