An epidemiological study of neonatal and postneonatal mortality in Macaca radiata at the California Primate Research Center (1966-1973).

This study evaluates neonatal and postneonatal survival of Macaca radiata to 180 days of age at the California Primate Research Center from 1966 through 1973. Of a total of 287 live births, infant mortality rates (IMR) for three different types of housing were significantly different: 12% for inside cages, 41% for an outside one-half-acre enclosure and 31% for outside corncrib cages. Experience of the female in raising an infant to weaning age was a significant determinant only for the outside housing IMR. Introduction of laboratory-reared females into the breeding colony made the maternal breeding experience an important factor.