One of the reasons why monkeys are bred at the DPZ is that we use rhesus monkeys and common marmosets as models in our research departments. In order to give scientists more direct access to individual animals, these animals are taken from the breeding groups and transferred to our experimental husbandry units.
Our laboratory animals are kept in accordance with legal requirements. For example, to ensure that the animals are generally not housed alone, but in groups of up to 4 animals in spacious cage systems in order to accommodate their social lifestyle.
In our laboratory animal husbandry, we also ensure that the cages are appropriately equipped, e.g. with ropes, swings, perches and boards, so that the animals have the opportunity to jump and climb.
In addition to species-appropriate cage equipment, additional enrichment is of particular importance in laboratory animal husbandry in order to keep the animals physically and mentally occupied. This enrichment takes the form of toys (e.g. plastic eggs and canisters, cardboard boxes, balls) and a varied diet. The food is hidden in toys, for example, or frozen as “ice bombs” in large cubes so that the animals have to actively work for it. Depending on the field of research, the animals are also offered interactive activities in the form of touchscreens.
The individual units of the experimental animal husbandry are differently designed and thus take into account the different biological safety levels. At the DPZ, animal husbandry is possible up to safety level 3 (S3). This enables research into pathogens that could pose a serious risk to humans. In order to be able to study these pathogens in living organisms, an animal husbandry and research unit with the corresponding safety level is a prerequisite. In particular, research into coronaviruses and the development of antiviral drugs is a key topic for infection researchers at the DPZ.
All animal experiments at the DPZ are monitored and supervised by veterinarians. The framework conditions and thus also the husbandry of the animals in animal experiments are constantly monitored, improved and further developed. Further education and training of our animal caretakers as well as the exchange with other institutions in order to continuously improve the husbandry conditions of our animals is therefore a central concern of animal husbandry at the DPZ.