research studies

research studies » current studies

In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund nearly 200 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as more than 40 veterinary student projects.

We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.

Category



Disease/Species



Study



D07ZO-615: The Effect of Dietary Tree Gum on Colon Health of the Geoffrey Tamarin (Saguinus geoffroyi)

principal investigator: Lauren A. Stockdale, Veterinary Student Scholar, The Ohio State University

Full Sponsor: The Batchelor Foundation, Inc.

sponsorship not needed

Year: 1 of 1. $5,000

Previous research has shown that severe colitis, a gastrointestinal condition, is prevalent in captive tamarins but rare in wild individuals. This study will evaluate how dietary tree gum influences the gastrointestinal health of a captive population of Geoffroy's tamarins. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs), produced by fermentation of fiber by bacteria in the colon, have been shown to decrease inflammation and maintain colic health. Tree gum is a source of dietary fiber, and in the wild, tamarins include tree gum in their diet. It is not often included in the diet of zoo tamarins, however. The research will determine whether the addition of tree gum to the diet of captive tamarins will decrease gastrointestinal inflammation and increase fecal volatile fatty acid production.