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

试点研究：对群养的非人类灵长类动物进行正向强化训练的全自动系统

• 批准号: G1100113/1
• 负责人: Andrew Jackson
• 金额: $ 9.37万
• 依托单位: Newcastle University
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Research Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2012 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=G1100113%2F1
• 关键词: Pilot; study; fully; automated; system

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.

正强化训练（PRT）代表了实验动物饲养的一种有价值的改进。动物通过食物奖励进行训练，以配合温和的程序，如采血，因此需要较少的约束，并显示出比未经训练的动物更低的压力水平。然而，PRT的广泛实施受到工作人员时间和培训技能缺乏的阻碍（Prescott和Buchananan-Smith，2007年）。我们将为PRT开发一个全自动系统和协议，可用于群体住房环境。动物通过RFID标签识别，并自动奖励食物对待按下适当的颜色提示按钮。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，使用简单、负担得起的技术和既定的培训方案来证明福利和运营效益，将使自动化PRT在大型动物设施中非常可取，从而促进PRT技术在这些环境中的应用。