Summary: Ulyan et al. (2006)

Ulyan et al. (2006) evaluated the responses of group living capuchins (Cebus apella) to different feeding schedules. They fed animals a predictable schedule for 6 weeks, then an unpredictable schedule for another 6 weeks. They sampled behaviour using scan sampling (1 minute intervals) for 1 hour pre- and post-feed. Ulyan et al. (2006) hypothesized that behaviour and faecal cortisol concentration would be influenced by meal unpredictability. They did not find any major differences in behaviours typically associated with stress or anticipation, but suggest that differences in other behavioural measures indicates that predictable feeding regimes is better for the animals' well being. Their results suggest that the anticipation of feeding is pronounced when feeding time is delayed in an unpredictable manner and cortisol concentration increases during this time. Ulyan et al. (2006) propose that a predictable feeding schedule is more beneficial for the well being of captive capuchins.