Improving Reproductive Success in Captive Marmosets Through Active Female Choice

Abstract

The recent upsurge in the use of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) as a desirable model for high-priority biomedical research has challenged local and global suppliers struggling to provide sufficient numbers of marmosets for large-scale projects. In laboratories, random male-female pairings are often unsuccessful, with intervals of several months before attempting alternate pairings. Here we address this challenge through a behavioral task that promotes self-directed female selection of potential mates to increase the efficiency of breeding in captive marmosets. We created a partner preference test in which nulliparous females (n = 12) had the opportunity to select between two eligible males (n = 23) at a time, in a forced choice test. In this test, both males and females displayed sexual solicitations. However, the females displayed a clear preference for one male by directing affiliative behaviors toward him including proceptive tongue-flicking, approach, and grooming. Her preference remained consistent across three consecutive test sessions. This method resulted in a 2.5-fold improvement in breeding success within 90 days compared to random pairings. This cost-effective and straightforward pairing practice can be used to enhance breeding efficiency in both small and large marmoset colonies.