Lab Management - Papio

Question 1

What is the preferred housing method for baboons?

Answer 1

Social groups with access to outdoors.

Question 2

Can baboons breed successfully in captivity?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

How are hamadryas baboons best housed?

Answer 3

As single-male multifemale groups that mimic their social structure in the wild.

Question 4

Describe the diet of baboons.

Answer 4

Omnivorous. Mainly plant material, but will eat insects and small vertebrates.

Question 5

Why are baboons popular in research?

Answer 5

Genetic similarity to humans and large size capable of providing ample fluid and tissue samples.

Question 6

What are baboons a model for? What does current research focus on?

Answer 6

Coronary heart and lung diseases, especially Bordetella pertussis or whooping cough. Reproductive physiology, vaccine development for HIV, hepatitis C, respiratory syncytial virus, and neonatal research.

Question 7

Why are baboons an excellent model for vaccine development?

Answer 7

Immune system similar to humans in that they have the same immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses: 1, 2, 3, and 4.