Behavioral and cardiophysiological responses of common marmosets (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Callithrix jacchus</Emphasis>) to confrontations with opposite-sexed strangers

Common marmosets exhibit under captive conditions socially monogamous propensities. During confrontation with opposite-sexed stranger, in the presence of the pairmate, common marmosets often respond aggressively. However, in the absence of their mates, males actively solicit contact and even sexual interactions with strange females whereas mated females are indifferent to strange males. In the present study behavioral and cardiophysiological responses of pairmates of six established pairs of common marmosets were recorded during confrontation with an opposite-sexed stranger (1) in the presence or (2) in the absence of the familiar pairmate. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate as well as locomotor activity were recorded telemetrically through peritoneally implanted transmitters. Behavioral responses were videotaped and in addition, urine samples from the female individuals were analyzed for their estrogen concentrations to monitor their ovarian cycles. The cardiophysiological values did not differ significantly between the two confrontation conditions. However, compared to baseline, heart rate values of both sexes and in males also blood pressure values, were significantly higher during confrontations. Hence, confrontations with an opposite-sexed conspecific clearly affect cardiophysiological parameters. Between confrontees affiliative behaviors could not been recorded but aggressive and sexual behaviors occurred.     

Acute neuropathogenicity with experimental infection of equine herpesvirus 9 in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

BACKGROUND: Equine herpesvirus 9 (EHV-9) is a new neurotropic equine herpesvirus which induced encephalitis in a variety of animals. However, there was no information on the susceptibility of EHV-9 in primates. METHODS: To assess the infectivity of EHV-9, four common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were inoculated by the nasal route with 10(6) plaque-forming units of EHV-9. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All of the inoculated animals exhibited various neurological signs progressing to collapse. Histologically, the affected animals had severe encephalitis characterized by neuronal degeneration and necrosis with intranuclear inclusion bodies, which extended from the olfactory bulb to the rhinencephalon and piriform lobe. Immunohistochemistry revealed EHV-9 antigens in degenerating neuronal cells. The nasal cavity had severe necrotizing rhinitis with prominent intra-nuclear inclusion bodies in the olfactory mucosa. These findings indicate that the marmosets are susceptible to EHV-9.     

Effect of ambient temperature on the circadian activity rhythm in common marmosets, Callithrix j. jacchus (primates)

Whereas the (zeitgeber) effect of ambient temperature T_a and temperature cycles TaC's on circadian rhythmicity has been well documented for heterofhermic mammals, inconsistent results have been obtained for strictly homeothermic species. Hence, it might be inferred that the susceptibility of the mammalian circadian timing system (CTS) to Ta and TaC's depends on the range of the animals' core and/or brain temperature rhythm. This hypothesis was tested in the common marmoset (Callithrix j. jacchus, n=12), a small diurnal primate with an amplitude in body temperature rhythm that is larger than for other homeothermic primates studied so far. Within the range 20-30°C, no systematic effects of constant Ta on most parameters of the marmosets' light-dark (LD)-entrained and free-running circadian activity rhythm (CAR) were found. Significant differences could be established in the average amount of activity per circadian cycle. It was highest at Ta 25°C (LD) and 20°C (light-light, LL) and most probably reflected a temperature-induced masking effect. A 24h trapezoidal TaC of 20:30°C entrained the free-running CAR in two of six marmosets and produced relative coordination in all others. Accordingly, in all animals tested, it had an effect on the CTS. In marmosets free running in LL at a Ta of 20°C or 30°C, 3h warm and cold pulses of 30°C and 20°C, respectively, produced neither systematic phase responses nor period responses of the CAR. So, there is no evidence of a phase-response mechanism underlying circadian entrainment. The results show that large-amplitude TaC's function as a weak zeitgeber for the marmosets' CTS. Since this zeitgeber effect is significantly larger than that found in owl monkeys, the results are consistent with the starting hypothesis that the zeitgeber effect of a given T,C on the mammalian CTS may be related to the amplitude of the species' core and/or brain temperature cycle.     

Hormonal changes related to paternal and alloparental care in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The physiological mechanisms of parental and alloparental care in cooperatively breeding nonhuman primate species such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) are poorly known. In this study, we examined prolactin and cortisol plasma levels of fathers and older offspring of both sexes, with and without previous experience in infant carrying, around parturition and during infant carrying. Blood samples were collected from fathers and older offspring and prolactin and cortisol were measured by RIA and EIA, respectively. Prolactin levels of both caretakers were not influenced by infant's birth, previous experience or proximity to parturition. However, prolactin levels increased in both caretakers while in physical contact with infants and also with the number of infants being carried in older offspring. These findings suggest that increased prolactin seems to be mainly due to physical effort rather than a physiological trigger of paternal and alloparental care in common marmosets. Cortisol levels were higher for experienced fathers shortly before parturition which could act to reinforce affiliative bonds between breeding males and females at this time or in the ability of males to detect the proximity of the parturition or both.     

Hematology of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The hematology of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) was investigated to provide reference values for the normal animal. Red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, hemoglobins, mean cell volumes and differential white blood cell mean values were determined for Texas A&M colony-born animals and those obtained from the wild. The analyses were completed on 31 animals, three times each, for a total of 93 analyses, which included 16 colony-born and 15 wild-born marmosets. The hematological mean values found for marmosets were similar to those mean values reported for humans. The ranges for the hematology values were much narrower in the colony-born marmosets, and the average white blood cell count was significantly lower in these animals. This indicated that it is possible to produce and maintain a more uniform animal in the colony environment and, consequently, these animals are more suitable than wild-born animals for use as models for human research.     

Reproduction in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Though sexual maturation may begin at around one year of age, first successful reproduction of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is likely to be later, and it is generally recommended that animals not be mated before 1.5 years of age. The average gestation period is estimated to be 143 to 144 days. A crown-rump length measurement taken by use of ultrasonography during the linear, rapid, prenatal growth phase (between approx. days 60 and 95) can be compared against standard growth curves to estimate delivery date to within 3 to 4 days, on average. Marmosets produce more young per delivery than does any other anthropoid primate, and have more variation in litter size. Many long-established colonies report that triplets are the most common litter size, and there is documented association between higher maternal body weight and higher ovulation numbers. Higher litter sizes generally do not generate higher numbers of viable young. Marmosets are unusual among primates in having a postpartum ovulation that typically results in conception and successful delivery; reported median inter-birth intervals range from 154 to 162 days. However, pregnancy losses are quite common; one study of a large breeding colony indicated 50 percent loss between conception and term delivery. The average life span for breeding females is around six years; the range of reported average lifetime number of litters for a breeding pair is 3.45 to 4.0. Our purpose is to provide an overview of reproduction in the common marmoset, including basic reproductive life history, lactation and weaning, social housing requirements, and common problems encountered in the captive breeding of this species. A brief comparison between marmoset and tamarin reproduction also will be provided.     

Blood vitamin values of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The blood vitamin analyses of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were determined to provide baseline reference values for the normal animal. Ascorbic acid, riboflavin (erythrocyte glutathione reductase) [ECR], measurement, thiamin (erythrocyte transketolase) measurement and vitamin A (retinol) were determined for Texas A&M colony-born animals and those obtained from the wild. The analyses were completed on the animals, three times each, for a total of 93 analyses, which included 51 colony-born and 60 wild-born marmosets. A mean value of 0.98 mg/dl for ascorbic acid was found for the colony with a range from 0.06 to 4.1 mg/dl. The normal range for the marmosets appeared to be 0.5 to 1.5 mg/dl. The mean activity coefficient (AC) for the marmosets was 1.0 indicating that the animals had adequate riboflavin in the diet. The mean transketolase activities were (ribose remaining ?30.1 IU/L) and (sedoheptulose appearance ?7.9 IU/L). The mean and range for serum vitamin A (retinol) were 20.4 mg/dl and 6.96–57.44 mg/dl, respectively. None of the animals (colony-born or wild-born) exhibited any clinical signs of vitamin deficiencies as a result of being maintained in an indoor-outdoor environment over a three-year period.     

Individual olfactory signatures in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Individual discrimination is likely a prerequisite for most primate social interactions. Olfactory cues are one set of stimuli used by primates to discriminate between individuals. Despite the importance of these olfactory signatures, there is little published research assessing the existence or function of individually unique odors among primates. This review systematically assesses behavioral and biochemical aspects of individual odors in a New World primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). There are three objectives to this review: First, behavioral evidence for odors unique to the individual is evaluated in the context of results demonstrating that marmosets are able to discriminate between the scents from a familiar and a novel individual conspecific in behavioral bioassays under a variety of conditions. Second, biochemical evidence for individual scent signatures is debated with reference to studies examining qualitative and quantitative differences between the chemical compositions of scent-mark pools from adult females. A combined gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis demonstrated that each female had a unique ratio of highly volatile chemicals in the scent mark that could affect individual discrimination. Finally, the possible adaptive significance of individual odors in marmosets is debated. Individual odors may play a key role in regulating both female intrasexual competition and intersexual communication by providing a basis for the assessment of individual quality.     

Use of ultrasound to monitor prenatal growth and development in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The increasing use of non-human primates to study fetal development and neonatal management has necessitated the availability of fetuses of known gestational history. In this study, prenatal development and growth were investigated in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) using ultrasound. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the accuracy of ultrasound for monitoring prenatal growth and development in common marmosets, (2) to determine if litter size influences prenatal growth trajectories, and (3) to assess growth discordancy among litter mates. Fifty pregnancies were monitored longitudinally using real-time abdominal sonography. During each examination the number of fetuses was recorded, and crown-rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) were measured. The results indicate that ultrasound is a reliable method for observation of gross morphological changes during prenatal development in this species. Measures of CRL and BPD taken early in gestation using ultrasound were in agreement with those from gross specimens. Triplets were significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than twins for both BPD and CRL. No significant relationship was found between litter size and within litter variation in CRL or BPD. This study is the first longitudinal investigation of prenatal growth and development in C. jacchus. The observations from this study will be of use for determining approximate gestational age of fetuses, as well as providing guidelines for routine monitoring of pregnancy in this species. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The social relationships of twin common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and their breeding success

In a series of five experiments, female/female twin and male/male twin common marmosets were observed in each of the following social situations: as offspring in their respective family groups; housed together as twins; in competition for a mate and in the heterosexual pairs resulting from this competition. Quantitative records were made of their behaviour. These were then related to winning or losing the competition for a mate. Individuals who demonstrated more “assertive” behaviour and won the competition (winners) were not in every experiment faster to produce and rear offspring than were the less “assertive” animals (losers). Categories of behaviour described as “assertive” predicted the outcome of the competition in most cases, but were not good indicators of future breeding potential.     

Ingestion of calcium solutions by common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Callithrix jacchus, the common marmoset, is a small New World primate that feeds on insects, fruit, and gum, and has a high reproductive rate for a primate. Insects are generally a poor source of dietary calcium, while gums may contain significant levels of calcium. Their high reproductive rate also suggests that reproductive female C. jacchus might be susceptible to calcium deficiency. Thus, we hypothesized that common marmosets might find solutions containing calcium to be palatable. We used choice experiments to examine this phenomenon in 14 male and 19 female common marmosets. Animals were presented with identical water bottles containing either deionized water or a calcium lactate solution (either 2% or 4% calcium lactate by weight) and intake was measured. Serum 25-OH-vitamin D was monitored in a subset of the animals in the experiment to examine the role of vitamin D in this behavior. Our results demonstrated that C. jacchus can distinguish between plain water and a calcium lactate solution, and that in general they prefer calcium solutions. Although animals with marginal vitamin D status did have strong preferences for calcium solutions, they did not ingest significantly more of the calcium solutions than animals that were vitamin D-replete. Nulliparous females and males did not differ in the amounts of calcium solutions ingested. Lactating females ingested the greatest volume of the calcium solutions.     

Poxvirus infection in a colony of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

An epizootic poxvirus infection occurred in a colony of 80 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) recently introduced to a laboratory facility. Over an 18-week period, 29 of the monkeys exhibited skin lesions that persisted for 4-6 weeks. Although eight marmosets died during the outbreak, their deaths were not attributed directly to the poxvirus infection. The skin lesions developed over the entire body surface including the soles and palms. Initially characterized as erythematous papules, they quickly changed to elevated coalescing lesions with extensive scab formation. Histopathologically, the lesions revealed moderate to marked acanthosis, and they progressed to full-thickness epidermal necrosis and ulceration. Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were observed occasionally within degenerate keratinocytes. These inclusions most probably constituted the intracytoplasmic aggregates of viral particles observed ultrastructurally and confirmed as members of the poxvirus group by negative staining of direct skin scrapings.     

Serum biochemical, hematological and body measurement data for common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)

Blood samples were drawn and body measurements taken from healthy adult and juvenile common marmosets which had been housed under controlled environmental conditions for a minimum of 2 years. Blood was analyzed for serum biochemical and hematological constituents.     

Differential infant carrying in captive and wild common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Callitrichids are communal breeders that lack sexual dimorphism, and only a few studies have examined behavioral gender differences among them. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in infant carrying in 16 captive and seven wild common marmoset groups. Our results showed that female–female twin pairs were carried significantly more often by fathers than were male–male and male–female pairs both in the wild and in captivity. We suggest these differences may be related to different reproductive potentials of male and female Callithrix jacchus and possibly to future breeding competition among females.     

Sample collection and restraint techniques used for common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small-bodied, adaptable New World primate from secondary forests in Brazil that is used in various types of research, such as reproductive biology, neuroendocrinology, behavioral research, neuroscience, infectious disease, and drug development. Because of their small body size, adaptability to a variety of conditions, unique physiologic characteristics, family social structure, and calm demeanor, they have become the primate of choice for certain research areas. However, because of their small body size, the amount and type of samples that can be obtained from them can prove to be challenging. The objective of the study reported here is to review some techniques developed for obtaining samples or data from marmoset monkeys in a variety of research settings and includes restraint methods that work well for the type of sample collection required.     

An alternative method of endotracheal intubation of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Endotracheal intubation was carried out in 11 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). A commercially available tilting stand and a Miller laryngoscope blade were used to visualize the larynx. Anaesthesia was induced with alphaxalone (10.6 ± 1.6 mg/kg intramuscularly, followed by 3.2 ± 1.2 mg/kg intravenously). The diameter of the proximal trachea easily fitted an endotracheal tube made from readily available material (a 12 G 'over the needle' catheter). Once the tip of the endotracheal tube was at the level of the vocal folds, the tube had to be gently rotated through a 180° angle in order to pass through the larynx into the trachea. Assessment of the dimensions of the larynx and trachea, and comparison with external anatomical features of the animals (n = 10) showed that the length of the trachea could be predicted by multiplying the craniosacral length of the marmoset by a factor of 0.42.     

The development of infant-caregiver relationships in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The growing independence of infant common marmosets from their caregivers is promoted primarily by their caregivers, who increasingly often prevent the infants from climbing onto them and decreasingly often pick the infants up. Infants achieve independence from their mothers, fathers, and older siblings at different rates and develop characteristically different relationships with them. Infants that are most rejected by caregivers spend the least time on them. When rejected by their parents, infants tend to spend their time with their twins, rather than seeking to climb onto other caregivers. Caregivers do not compensate for unduly large or small amounts of care given by other members of the group. It is argued that if we are to understand the development of caregiver-infant relationships in species with multiple caregivers, we must discover the rules by which infants assess the amount of care they perceive themselves to have received and caregivers assess the amount of care they perceive themselves to have offered. The implications of a simple model based on expected levels of caregiving and careseeking are explored, particularly with respect to competition and compensation.