Improving Reproductive Success in Captive Marmosets Through Active Female Choice

ABSTRACT The recent upsurge in the use of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) as a desirable model for high‐priority biomedical research has challenged local and global suppliers struggling to provide sufficient numbers of marmosets for large‐scale projects. In laboratories, random male‐female pairings are often unsuccessful, with intervals of several months before attempting alternate pairings. Here we address this challenge through a behavioral task that promotes self‐directed female selection of potential mates to increase the efficiency of breeding in captive marmosets. We created a partner preference test in which nulliparous females (n = 12) had the opportunity to select between two eligible males (n = 23) at a time, in a forced choice test. In this test, both males and females displayed sexual solicitations. However, the females displayed a clear preference for one male by directing affiliative behaviors toward him including proceptive tongue‐flicking, approach, and grooming. Her preference remained consistent across three consecutive test sessions. This method resulted in a 2.5‐fold improvement in breeding success within 90 days compared to random pairings. This cost‐effective and straightforward pairing practice can be used to enhance breeding efficiency in both small and large marmoset colonies. We increased the efficiency of breeding within our marmoset colony by allowing females to choose their mate using a partner‐preference “love maze.” When exposed to pairs of several eligible males, female marmosets showed a clear and repeated preference for one male only by directing affiliative behaviors toward him including proceptive tongue‐flicking and face grooming behavior. Her self‐directed choice of male was a major determinant of her reproductive success compared with females who were randomly paired. Summary Marmosets display sociosexual behaviors in partner preference love maze. Females exhibit sociosexual preferences for specific males when presented with several eligible males. Female choice of male determines her reproductive success.