An examination of several animal training procedures with a captive pre-pregnancy Capybara

Training is a management practice that should be used to facilitate routine care and management of animals. If well planned, training promotes human-animal interactions and enables the completion of veterinary procedures required for effective health assessment with lower stress levels. Hence, it is indicated whenever ancillary tests are needed. A captive adult female capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) housed in a public research laboratory in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, was used in this study. The animal expressed aversion to some keepers and escape behavior in the presence of strangers. The animal was trained before mating to enable pregnancy ultrasound examination with no need for restraint until delivery. Fourteen weeks of training using three techniques (Counterconditioning, Habituation, and Operant Conditioning using shaping with positive reinforcement) were needed to achieve project objectives. The training enabled appropriate ultrasound imaging. Unique images with high diagnostic value were obtained throughout pregnancy, with significant contributions to the reproductive management of the species. Training is also an essential element of good management practices.