@article{ref1,
title="L-tryptophan and correlates of self-injurious behavior in small-eared bushbabies (Otolemur garnettii)",
journal="Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science",
year="2009",
author="Ward, Christopher P. and Hanbury, David B. and McCoy, John G. and Watson, S. L. and Fontenot, M. Babette",
volume="48",
number="2",
pages="185-191",
abstract="Self-injurious behavior (SIB) among captive primates is a recurring problem for those who manage such facilities. Its prevalence highlights the need for research evaluating the effectiveness of potential treatment approaches. In the present study, 4 wk of dietary supplementation with L-tryptophan (100 mg daily) was evaluated for the treatment of self-inflicted wounds in 22 small-eared bushbabies, a prosimian primate, with a history of SIB. The treatment significantly reduced stereotypy and was associated with a reduction in wound area and severity. In terms of physiologic measures, preexisting high levels of cortisol were reduced in bushbabies with SIB, whereas serotonin concentrations were increased after 4 wk of treatment. Results indicate that L-tryptophan as a dietary supplement may be a viable adjunct to standard husbandry procedures for animals exhibiting maladaptive behaviors such as stereotypy and SIB.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1559-6109",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}