ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Argumentative Essay



Argumentative Essay

Non-human primates are wild species that are frequently kept as pets, even though they are not adequate to keep humans company. Several primate species are threatened or endangered due to hunting or destruction of their habitat. (Fowler, 2003)

It is convenient for veterinarians to have some knowledge of the treatment of these wild species in order to immediately provide care to these patients and if needed, refer them to specialists.(Fowler, 2003)

Considering their smaller size and lower maintenance cost, primates that are kept as pets are New World primates, but nowadays even Old World primates are found as pets. New World species that are usually kept as pets are squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), capuchin or "organ-grinder"monkeys (Cebus sp.), spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), howler monkeys (Allouatta sp.), night monkeys (Aotus trivirgatus), titi monkeys (Callicebus sp.), marmosets (Callithrix sp) and tamarins (Saguinus sp.). (Fowler, 2003)

Galagos or bush babies(Galago senegalensis), which are prosimians from the Old World, are popular pets in some regions. Old World primates that are kept in research facilities include rhesus monkeys, stump tailed macaques, crab eating macaques and Japanese macaques (Macaca sp.), green monkeys (Cercopithecus sp.) and Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus sp.).

Sometimes, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), baboons (Papio sp), and orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) are found in scientific institutions or as pets.

Finding foodstuff is one of the main activities developed by primates in wildlife and behaviors related to feeding is a characteristic feature of each species. In general, most primate species are classified as opportunistic omnivores and they need animal protein besides fruits and vegetables. (Fowler, 2003)

Some primates, such as howler monkeys and colobus monkeys, have specialized diets, having evolved to use fiber through fermentation by intestinal flora. Except for these species, primates obtain nutrients from an incredible amount of sources: leaves, fruits, seeds, shoots, vegetable roots, insects, bird eggs, birds, small animals and even mineral salts; in captivity, pellets, mixed cereals, pinkies, insects, cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables are provided. (Johnston, 1991)

In captivity, primate nutrition should be part of a preventive medicine program. Selectivity can play an important role in nutrient balance. In primates that are kept as pets, a common problem is an incorrect nutrition and usually the patient is taken to the vet once nutritional disorders are so advanced that a total recovery can hardly be expected. (Johnston, 1991)

All primates require some source of vitamin C. New World primates require vitamin D3 because they cannot use vitamin D2, and due to diets lacking calcium they can develop secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism. In general, primates should be fed twice a day, to reduce the incidence of acute gastric dilation and behavioral disorders. (Kleiman, 1996)

Total food intake is equal to 2 to 4% body weight (as fed rather than in dry matter). Hyperphagy and obesity can be found. Sometimes, even though the individual is eating a seriously imbalanced diet, parasite or infectious problems show up before nutritional deficiencies. Diet can turn into an obstacle that interferes with the individual's adaptation to captivity.

(Fowler, 1993)

Most of the times, after achieving sexual maturity ...