Separation ages for primates in new Dutch legislation = Scheidingsleeftijden van apen in nieuwe Nederlandse wetgeving

Research output: Book/ReportReportProfessional

Abstract

An expert consultation was conducted on separation ages for several primate species mentioned in Dutch legislation (chimpanzees, rhesus, stump-tailed and long-tailed macaques, marmosets, douroucoulis and squirrel monkeys). In total 25 senior experts from 7 different countries participated. ‘Median’ (middle value) separation ages as suggested by the experts were 6 years for chimpanzees; 12 months for macaques used in research and 4 years for macaques used for breeding or kept in zoos or shelters; 12-16 months for marmosets; 18-24 months for douroucoulis; and 10-18 months for squirrel monkeys. The main arguments related to natural conditions (e.g. at what ages the animals can survive without milk or group support). The paper provides a structured, transparent approach for decision support, leading to the general recommendation to the Dutch government to upgrade existing separation ages in accordance with ages previously specified for separation (‘weaning’) of young primates into individual housing.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLelystad
PublisherWageningen UR Livestock Research
Number of pages102
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Publication series

NameReport / Wageningen UR Livestock Research
PublisherWageningen UR Livestock Research
No.728
ISSN (Print)1570-8616

Keywords

  • primates
  • weaning
  • age
  • animal behaviour
  • animal welfare
  • legislation
  • policy
  • Netherlands

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