R24OD030035

Feeding Interaction Network Analyses Enhance Management of NHP Breeding Groups - Abstract

A primary mission of Animal Resources Divisions at National Primate Research Centers (NPRC) is to maintain the overall social health of Indian-origin rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) living in large multi-generational breeding groups. This is done to ensure the availability of high-quality research subjects for NIH-funded research. However, the social dynamics of these breeding groups are complex, and disturbances in their dominance hierarchy and kinship structures can lead to increased aggression and fighting, resulting in significant wounding.

Thus, a common challenge in managing these groups is the utilization of effective social health surveillance methodology to identify groups at risk for social instability before the onset of significant fighting. Currently, these captive groups are routinely monitored for changes in dominance ranks and rates of trauma to detect social instability at the family and group level. However, the precise timing of severe outbreaks of aggression is largely considered unpredictable. Additionally, the frequency of interactions that define dominance and affiliative relationships in these groups is sparse, making it time-consuming to gather enough behavioral data to unequivocally detect social instability.

Recently, a report was published indicating that automated feeding data can provide critical real-time data and assist management in monitoring social stability in rhesus macaque breeding groups by possibly predicting the timing of intense aggression. The purpose of this proposal is to expand upon these observations by establishing data-driven models that help management identify groups at risk for social instability.

Because automated feeding data include precise timestamps and the order in which animals feed, network analyses can be used to construct Feeding Interaction Networks (FINS). This allows us to examine patterns of temporal proximity feeding among kin and non-kin. Additionally, because reproductive status also influences food intake in female monkeys, we will study six outdoor breeding groups at the Yerkes NPRC across the breeding and birthing seasons. We will integrate social and reproductive data with the overarching aim to develop comprehensive data-driven FIN models that will enhance colony management practices of NIH-supported rhesus macaque breeding colonies.

The specific aims of this study are as follows:

Aim 1: Characterize the community structures within static FINS of rhesus macaque breeding groups, varying in size and composition.

Aim 2: Determine whether the directionality and strength of connections between adult females within a static FIN can be used to predict patterns of affiliative and dominance relationships among kin and non-kin.

Aim 3: Quantify and model the temporal changes of community structures within dynamic FINS of rhesus macaque groups across the breeding and birthing season with respect to female reproductive phase.

Finally, Aim 4: Detect changes in the community structures of dynamic FINS, not associated with reproductive seasonality, that are precursors to increased aggression and other signs of social instability.

These FIN models will be used to supplement behavioral and trauma data, allowing management to identify groups at risk for social instability and develop strategies to intervene prior to the escalation of additional aggression.

Emory University

NOT APPLICABLE

93.351 - Research Infrastructure Programs

National Institutes of Health (NIH) [HHS]

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) [HHS - NIH]

Atlanta, Georgia 303294208 United States

Single Zip Code

Resource-Related Research Projects for Development of Animal Models and Related Materials (R24 Clinical Trials Not-Allowed) (RFA-OD-19-027)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 359% from $790,741 to $3,633,182.