Ethological indicators of the well-being of non-human primates

In this paper we will present a series of behavioural indicators that can help to characterise the state of welfare of experimental animals. We will mainly refer to non-human primates, and in particular to the common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), which is our study species. However, we believe that the subjects offered here can be valid in general terms as well, and then to be applied to other experimental species. We are well aware of the fact that, in order to have a comprehensive picture of the welfare state of individual, behavioural parameters only are not enough. Therefore, at the end of this paper, we will briefly mention physiological parameters that need to be taken into consideration. However, the focus of the contribution will be on behaviour.