Rhesus monkey

The Rhesus monkey is a relatively small non-human primate. It is native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Brazil, close to the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, it is also known as the New World monkey. The Rhesus monkey belongs to the Cercopithecidae. It has three genera and 35 species, including the common rhesus monkey, cotton-top tamarin, lion-tailed macaque, pygmy marmoset, and squirrel monkey. The Rhesus monkey has a small body and a long tail, with a coiling and long-haired tip. Its head is round and large with either bare or sparse hair, no cheek pouches, and 32 teeth. It has a wide nasal septum, with the nostrils opening sideways on both sides, hence it also belongs to the broad-nosed monkey family. Its fur is velvety and comes in various colors, including silver-white, red, black-brown, black-gray, and black. Except for the flat nail on the big toe, all other toes have pointed claws and no nails. The Rhesus monkey is a non-seasonal breeder, with an average gestation period of 144 days, reaching sexual maturity at 14 months, with a sexual cycle of 16 days, including a 6-day follicular phase and a 10-day luteal phase, without menstrual bleeding. It can be artificially bred in captivity, with 1 to 3 offspring per litter, weaning at 2 to 3 months. The probability of twins is about 80%, and the survival rate is high.

The Rhesus monkey is a relatively small non-human primate. It is native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Brazil, close to the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, it is also known as the New World monkey. The Rhesus monkey belongs to the Cercopithecidae.

The monkey belongs to protected animals, and the lowest level is also a second-level protected animal, so it cannot be kept as a pet. If you want to keep it at home, you need to apply for relevant documents from the relevant authorities, otherwise it will be illegal. It is an omnivorous animal, but mainly lives on fruits and will not refuse meat when available. It usually is active during the day and rests at night, while night monkeys and large lemurs are active at night.

1. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a severe acute inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa and its deep tissues.

2. Bacterial dysentery

Bacterial dysentery has a sudden onset and spreads rapidly. It is a common disease among monkeys in monkey farms, especially newly introduced monkeys. They may experience excessive hunger and thirst during transportation, and once they arrive at the farm, they will eat and drink excessively, causing indigestion and diarrhea. If not treated in time, it can quickly develop into dysentery. The main symptoms are listlessness, loss of appetite, or even refusal to eat at all. Severe cases can lead to dehydration, sunken eye sockets, emaciation, decreased body temperature, cold extremities, drooping head, and huddled immobility. If the symptoms persist for 1-2 days, death may occur.

3. Pneumonia

Due to weather changes, adult monkeys or young monkeys with weak immune systems are prone to colds. If not treated in time, it can quickly develop into pneumonia and lead to death. Therefore, when a sick monkey is found, it should be immediately given cold medicine. Severe cases may require injections. Commonly used medications include Chaihu Injection and Bingdu Ling Injection, with the same dosage as humans. For newly arrived monkeys or sudden weather changes, it is best to use herbal remedies such as Sesame, Tea Gourd, Datura, Guava Vine, Pineapple Leaves, and Tree Leaves boiled in water for the monkeys to drink freely. This can prevent colds, save on medical expenses, and have a good preventive effect.

Pneumonia is one of the most common acute infectious diseases among monkeys in monkey farms. There are many types of pathogens, mainly caused by the infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae through the respiratory tract. If a sick monkey is found and isolated for treatment in a timely manner, it can be relatively easy to cure.

The Rhesus monkey feeding enclosure area is 13-15m2 (1.0-1.3m2/individual), with a standard of accommodating 15-20 pairs of Rhesus monkeys at the same time. In order to facilitate cleaning, the ground is generally made of cement or terrazzo. The room temperature is maintained between 25-30°C, and should not be lower than 20°C throughout the day. Generally, around 25°C is more suitable. The indoor temperature should be kept uniformly constant, and the smaller the temperature difference, the better. The relative humidity is 40% - 70%. The daily light time is from 7:30 to 19:30, during which 8:30 to 16:30 is full spectrum sunlight, and the remaining time is lit with general illumination fluorescent lamps (40W) to allow diurnal Rhesus monkeys to adapt to the light changes, thereby avoiding sudden scares due to rapid changes in light. Ventilation should be carried out 10-12 times per hour to promote air exchange. The noise should not exceed 60dB.

In the morning, feed the Rhesus monkeys with nutrient-rich liquid feed, such as milk or milk powder concentrate. In the afternoon, feed them with high-energy, high-protein feed and fruits, such as steamed and sliced bread, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, etc. Animal protein feed and snacks should be given irregularly.

Rhesus monkeys groom their fur not to find lice, but because their diet lacks electrolytes. Their fur produces salt crystals, and they groom each other to find and consume these salt grains (which is also their foraging habit) and to enhance social bonding within the group.