Evaluation of ultrasonic vocalizations in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) as a potential indicator of welfare

Abstract

The vocal repertoire in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) has been assumed to consist not only of vocalizations audible to humans but also of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). The use of USVs to socially indicate distress has not been evaluated in this species, however. The authors analyzed the ultrasonic vocal repertoire of the common marmoset under normal housing conditions, under various experimental manipulations intended to elicit positive or negative emotional responses and during stressful experiences including blood draw and exposure to a perceived predator. Analysis of the recordings showed that marmosets produced vocalizations with ultrasonic components as part of their normal vocal repertoire, but these vocalizations all have audible components as well. Only 4 of the 13 types of vocalizations had ultrasonic components. These ultrasonic components were not reliably associated with responses to different experimental manipulations, suggesting that they are not used to indicate pain, discomfort or distress.