Physiological Validation of Fecal Glucocorticoids in Male and Female Primates of the Species <i>Callithrix </i><i>j</i><i>acchus</i>

Techniques for monitoring adrenal activity through non-invasive methods are increasingly being used. However, for the data obtained to be reliable, it is necessary to validate these techniques. Wild animals kept in captivity are constantly subjected to stressful situations. Chronic stress can adversely affect the physiological responses of individuals. The aim of this study was to conduct physiological validation for fecal glucocorticoid metabolites for the species of non-human primates (Callithrix jacchus). We used 12 adult animals (seven males and five females). During the experimental period, the subjects were kept in a closed room under artificial light and controlled temperature. For validation we used the physiological challenge of synthetic ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Possibly due to the high degree of stress experienced by the animals and individual variation, it was not possible to validate the technique.