Sample collection and restraint techniques used for common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small-bodied, adaptable New World primate from secondary forests in Brazil that is used in various types of research, such as reproductive biology, neuroendocrinology, behavioral research, neuroscience, infectious disease, and drug development. Because of their small body size, adaptability to a variety of conditions, unique physiologic characteristics, family social structure, and calm demeanor, they have become the primate of choice for certain research areas. However, because of their small body size, the amount and type of samples that can be obtained from them can prove to be challenging. The objective of the study reported here is to review some techniques developed for obtaining samples or data from marmoset monkeys in a variety of research settings and includes restraint methods that work well for the type of sample collection required.