Nonhuman primates required for research normally become the subject of 
a single project or several projects for a defined length of time at 
the end of which they may become available for other purposes. Central 
registries of individual primates have been established at a number of 
institutions and this will enhance their capability to make the best 
use of the animals on a continuing basis. Many other performers have 
developed informal systems within their own institutions which facilitate 
the reuse of these animals when they are no longer required within a 
specific project. There are also special needs for primates recognized 
that are well served by the utilization of recycled animals, e.g., for 
studies requiring aging and aged primates. 
It is recommended that insofar as possible, all sponsors 
require humane and scientifically compatible recycling and 
multiple use of primates . 
This multiple use and recycling is not difficult to accomplish within 
an institution, especially those heavily engaged in primate research. 
However, facilitating appropriate multiple use and reuse between 
Institutions is a much more complicated matter, even though the problem 
basically is one of communications. The Committee on Conservation of 
Nonhuman Primates, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources of the 
National Academy of Sciences, has recommended the establishment and 
operation of a centralized users’ service as a move toward maximum 
use of current primate supplies. They propose a system that "would 
not only provide rapid information on available animals, or conversely, 
the need for specific animals, but also facilitate the exchange of 
biological materials derived from primates."^ The need for such a 
users' service has been endorsed by various scientific bodies concerned 
with primate research. 
It is recommended that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , 
as the lead agency for the IPSC, assume responsibility for 
developing and operating a users' service on a national scale . 
^ Nonhuman Primates - Usage and Availability tor Biomedical Programs , 
DHEW Publication No. (NIH) 76-892, Washington, D.C. 1975, p.6. 
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