Housing relocation does not have to induce a significant stress response in captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies suggest that housing relocation may be stressful for captive non‐human primates. Our study investigated the stress levels of Japanese macaques during a housing relocation by measuring their daily fecal cortisol metabolites, which are often used as an indicator of stress.MethodsTen adult Japanese macaques, single‐housed for research purposes, were relocated to a new facility. Fecal samples were collected daily for 7 days. Cortisol metabolite concentrations were determined via enzyme immunoassay.ResultsNo significant differences in cortisol metabolite levels were found in 7 days, but concentration levels showed that the highest median was associated to the relocation day.ConclusionsThe minimal cortisol metabolite increase suggests that there was a slight activity increase in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Techniques encouraging cooperation of the monkeys, the short time duration of the relocation, and consistency in the environment may have contributed to the minimal stress levels observed.