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The Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

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Reproduction in New World Primates

Abstract

The Common marmoset monkey, Callithrix jacchus jacchus, breeds more rapidly in captivity than any other primate. Because of its small size (adult body weight 400 g) it is easy to maintain in family groups in captivity, so eliminating the boredom and neuroses sometimes seen in the larger macaques and baboons that are often caged singly. Marmosets adapt well to captive conditions, to handling, sampling and experimental procedures, particularly if a system of rewards is used. They are economical to keep, normally produce twins, and because of their short generation interval, with sexual maturity at about 18 months of age, they can be established in captive, self-sustaining breeding colonies at a fraction of the time and cost taken for the larger, more conventional, laboratory primates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute of Zoology, The Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, England

    John P. Hearn

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  1. John P. Hearn
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute of Zoology, The Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY, London, England

    John P. Hearn (Director) (Director)

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© 1983 MTP Press Limited

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Hearn, J.P. (1983). The Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). In: Hearn, J.P. (eds) Reproduction in New World Primates. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7322-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7322-0_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-7324-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-7322-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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