# Husbandry and Management Core

> **NIH NIH U42** · TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2020 · $2,081,706

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – Core 1: Husbandry and Management Core 
The need for specific pathogen free (SPF) rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of Indian origin was 
recognized by the NIH when it established the SPF breeding program in 1989. The continued need for 
these valuable animals in AIDS research facilitated the U42 grant mechanism starting in 2000. The 
Southwest National Primate Research Center houses two genetically distinct SPF rhesus macaque 
colonies. Colony 1 represents the original SNPRC colony under SNPRC management since 2000, while 
Colony 2 was obtained in 2015 and represents animals derived from the well characterized SPF colony 
initiated in 1988. 
The overall goals of the Husbandry and Management Core are to produce pedigreed SPF Indian- origin 
rhesus monkeys for AIDS-related research. This Core will interact with the Viral Testing Core to ensure 
the SPF status of the colonies and with the MHC Genetic Typing Core to maximize the genetic diversity 
of the breeding program and to increase the value of the animals for AIDS-related research purposes by 
characterizing them for MHC Class I alleles and genetic variation. New genetic data obtained by high 
throughput sequencing will provide in depth genetic data and dramatically increase the value of these 
animals in AIDS research. 
The specific aims are: 
1. To maximize the genetic diversity and production efficiency of the SNPRC SPF breeding colony by 
genetically and reproductively managing both colonies as one colony in concert with the MHC Typing and 
Genetic Characterization Core. Breeding schemes will be used to avoid inbreeding and to maintain genetic 
variability, while production will be maximized by utilizing data on fertility and fecundity. We will provide 
greater genetic characterization of animals by high throughput genomic sequencing. 
2. To maintain a steady state population of 760 animals and to provide 110 SPF rhesus macaques for 
AIDS-related research annually. 
Fulfillment of these aims will contribute to ensuring that the supply of Indian origin, SPF, rhesus monkeys 
is sufficient to meet the needs of the national AIDS-related research programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9844007
- **Project number:** 5U42OD010442-19
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Kenneth Sayers
- **Activity code:** U42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $2,081,706
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9844007

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9844007, Husbandry and Management Core (5U42OD010442-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9844007. Licensed CC0.

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