Impact of Dietary Fruit Reduction on Hematological and Biochemical Values in Cotton‐Top Tamarins ( Oedipomidas oedipus ) Under Human Care

Monitoring blood parameters is essential for detecting the need for dietary adjustments that support the health and welfare of primates under human care. This study assessed the effects of introducing a reduced-sugar, higher-fiber diet in 14 Cotton-top tamarins (Oedipomidas oedipus) housed in managed care. The new diet was formulated according to established nutritional requirements for callitrichids. Hematological and serum biochemistry analyses were performed on blood samples collected from each animal before and after the dietary modification. Although no significant changes were detected in most hematological or biochemical values following the diet transition, notable positive correlations emerged: triglyceride (TG) levels were associated with body weight, and TG levels also correlated with cholesterol concentrations. These findings indicate that triglycerides and cholesterol may serve as sensitive biomarkers for the early detection of overweight or obesity in Cotton-top tamarins, providing valuable guidance for improving nutritional management and preventing metabolic health issues.