A benign method for maintaining ovulatory estrogen levels in cycling rhesus macaques.

The goal of this study was to develop a relatively noninvasive technique for generating ovulatory estrogen levels in cycling females over extended periods of time. Eleven intact cycling rhesus macaques were given weekly injections of estradiol cypionate in an effort to obtain weekly levels which approximated ovulatory levels. A dose of 500 μg generated weekly estrogen values averaging 370 ± 18 pg/ml.

A demographic analysis of the Wisconsin Regional Primate Center rhesus colony, 1962-1982.

A detailed demographic analysis was made of the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center rhesus colony from vital statistics recorded over a 20-year period. Techniques used were based on demographic and epidemiological methods developed for human populations, which provide the potential for making standardized measurements within captive primate colonies. A life table based on 1,086 deaths showed an abnormally high survivorship at the older ages, probably caused by a tendency to retain especially robust animals for breeding purposes.

Infant-directed behavior in young rhesus monkeys: Sex differences and effects of prenatal androgens.

Young (3-4 years old) laboratory-reared rhesus monkeys were observed in five 15-minute tests with 1-15-day-old infants. Males and females were equally likely to investigate infants. Females communicated more with infants by grin-lipsmacking and gurgling--gestures that were not shown by any males.

Physiological and social influences on mounting behavior of troop-living female monkeys (Macaca fuscata).

Female mounting behavior was studied in a troop of Japanese macaques during one breeding season. Of 79 sexually active females, mounting behavior during consortships was shown by 50 females; 13 only with males, 20 with both males and females, and 17 only with females. Several factors associated with reproductive state influenced the expression of mounting activity.