Pair-housing rather than single-housing for laboratory rhesus macaques

A total of 378 adult and juvenile rhesus macaques of both sexes were transferred from single- to isosexual pair-housing arrangements. The incidence of serious injury resulting from partner incompatibility was 0.8% during the first year after pair formation. It was concluded that pair-housing offers a safe option to address the animals' social needs in compliance with federal rules and professional standards.