Callitrichid nutrition and food sensitivity

Captive callitrichids are prone to developing intestinal problems. Their ca ptive and natural diets differ enormously, and diet has been suggested to p lay a major role in wasting marmoset syndrome. Proteins in wheat, soy and m ilk are included in callitrichid diets of most colonies and have been linke d to an immune reaction in Saguinus oedipus and Callithrix jacchus. In the present study of 23 males and females of the two species, wheat protein was tested but soy and milk products were excluded. One group had wheat and th e other had rice in their diet. Blood samples and biopsies from the colon w ere taken. Results showed changes in the colon and an immune reaction to gl iadin, a wheat protein related to coeliac disease in humans. A further immu ne reaction was also observed. Suggestions for further study and exclusion of cereal in the diet of these small, New World primates are discussed.