Prof. Ashoka Dangolla from the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty announced the successful implementation of a newly developed, small-sized loop designed to prevent pregnancy in female monkeys.
He revealed that the Veterinary Faculty at Peradeniya University, in collaboration with the Dental Faculty, engineered the small-sized loop specifically tailored to fit and implant into the uterus of female monkeys.
According to Prof. Dangolla, the dimensions of the female monkey’s uterus were meticulously measured to create a smaller-sized loop, a process facilitated by specialists and technology from the Dental Faculty. The initial implantation involved six female monkeys, with successful outcomes observed in five cases. Although one loop was expelled due to uterine contractions and secretions, X-ray examinations two months post-implantation confirmed the remaining loops were securely in place.
The study involved a one-and-a-half-year-old female monkey that had previously given birth, ensuring a comprehensive test scenario. Prof. Dangolla emphasized that the successful implantation of these loops guarantees the prevention of pregnancy without altering normal sexual behaviour in monkeys. This method offers a humane and cost-effective solution to manage monkey populations, avoiding the need for lethal or relocation measures.
Looking ahead, Prof. Dangolla outlined plans for further experiments involving male monkeys to assess the loop’s efficacy in preventing pregnancy in females housed together. He stressed the importance of timing the implantation procedure correctly, avoiding periods of pregnancy or impending delivery.
Moreover, Prof. Dangolla highlighted the ease with which the surgical technique for loop implantation can be taught to local veterinary doctors. He estimated the manufacturing cost of each loop to be approximately Rs. 2,000, underscoring its affordability and potential scalability for wild monkey populations.
In summary, the successful deployment of these small-sized loops represents a promising step forward in managing monkey populations responsibly and effectively.
