Pilot study: A fully-automated system for positive reinforcement training of group-housed non-human primates

正强化训练（PRT）代表了实验畜牧业的一种有价值的改进。通过食物奖励来训练动物，让它们配合一些温和的程序，比如采血，因此与未经训练的动物相比，它们需要的约束更少，压力水平也更低。然而，PRT的广泛实施受到工作人员缺乏时间和培训技能的阻碍（Prescott and Buchanan-Smith 2007）。我们将为PRT开发一个完全自动化的系统和协议，可以在集体住房环境中使用。动物通过射频识别标签识别，按下相应的颜色提示按钮，就会自动获得食物奖励。这种系统代表了行为神经科学技术的改进，因为初始训练可以在没有食物/液体限制、隔离或约束的情况下进行。此外，通过预先选择对这种训练反应良好的动物，可以减少实验所需的动物数量。更一般地说，使用一种简单、负担得起的技术和既定的培训协议来展示福利和操作效益，将使大型动物设施非常需要自动化PRT，从而促进在这些环境中采用PRT技术。

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) represents a valuable refinement of laboratory animal husbandry. Animals are trained using food reward to co-operate with mild procedures such as blood-sampling, and therefore require less restraint and show reduced stress levels than untrained animals. However, widespread implementation of PRT is hindered by a lack of staff time and training skill (Prescott and Buchanan-Smith 2007). We will develop a fully-automated system and protocols for PRT that can be used within group housing environments. Animals are identified via RFID tags and rewarded automatically with food treats for pressing appropriate colour-cued buttons. Such a system represents a refinement of behavioural neuroscience techniques since initial training can be performed without food/fluid restriction, isolation or restraint. In addition, by pre-selecting animals that respond well to this training, the number of animals required for experiments can be reduced. More generally, demonstrating welfare and operational benefits using a simple, affordable technology with established training protocols would make automated PRT highly desirable in large animal facilities, thus facilitating the uptake of PRT techniques in these settings.