Swine in Biomedical Research

Swine in Biomedical Research

• Swine, including domestic and miniature breeds, are commonly used in biomedical research for studying exercise physiology, nutrition, atherosclerosis, diabetes, transplantation, toxicology, reproductive and pharmacological studies.

• Minipigs were selectively bred for their small size and docility, and are preferred for chronic studies due to their relatively long lifespan.

• The internal organs of pigs are similar to humans, making them a suitable model for research. Their skin, teeth, upper gastrointestinal tract, heart position, blood supply, and nutrient requirements are similar to humans.

• Pigs have a firm nose used for exploring the environment, and hooves with four toes that require nonslip flooring. Boar tusks are sharp and require trimming for safety.

• Swine are social animals but have little herding instinct and can behave unpredictably. They can become aggressive with little warning, and their principal defense is their teeth.

• Minipigs and microswine are social and easily socialized with humans, responding well to positive reinforcement and gentle handling. They prefer a clean environment and are vocal at feeding time.

• Restraint methods for minipigs are similar to those used for laboratory dogs, while domestic swine require more effort for training. Common restraint methods include slings, Terris confinement stands, V-troughs, and snares.

• Pigs are commonly identified with ear tags or microchips, but ear tattooing and notching should be avoided.

• Pigs should not be housed in cages unless necessary for a procedure, and should be housed in groups with limited sizes to promote a stable social hierarchy. Males and females should be housed separately.

• Designs for indoor swine facilities are developed to meet specialized needs, such as breeding, farrowing, and housing young pigs. Fences, pen dividers, and gates should be well constructed of durable material.

• Pigs are omnivorous and require diets formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Access to water under high pressure is essential for cleaning pens.

• Hoof trimming is essential for swine maintenance to prevent overgrowth of hooves and complications of inadequate hoof maintenance.

• Domestic swine may be housed outdoors in portable shelters or open-front sheds placed on concrete, with access to shade during the summer.Feeding, Enrichment, and Care of Laboratory Swine

• Laboratory swine, including miniature pigs, are available from commercial suppliers.

• Pigs should not be fed more than 2% of their body weight daily to prevent obesity.

• Outdoor pigs may require slightly more feed due to increased exercise.

• Minipigs and microswine are fed a low-calorie diet to prevent obesity.

• Adequate space for feeding and watering must be provided to prevent competition.

• Young pigs are usually fed twice a day, while older pigs are fed once daily.

• Automated drinking systems are recommended to ensure water is available ad libitum.

• Environmental enrichment, such as toys and substrate, is important for pigs to prevent boredom and negative behaviors.

• Autoclaved straw or hay can reduce aggressive behaviors and provide insulation.

• Pigs in pain may be unwilling to move and may become aggressive; observant technicians may detect changes in behavior and gait.

• Pigs should be euthanized with a lethal dose of barbiturate, cardiac injection of potassium chloride under anesthesia, or a penetrating captive bolt.

• Death must be verified, and carcass disposal should follow facility guidelines.

Swine in Biomedical Research

• Swine, including domestic and miniature breeds, are commonly used in biomedical research for studying exercise physiology, nutrition, atherosclerosis, diabetes, transplantation, toxicology, reproductive and pharmacological studies.

• Minipigs were selectively bred for their small size and docility, and are preferred for chronic studies due to their relatively long lifespan.

• The internal organs of pigs are similar to humans, making them a suitable model for research. Their skin, teeth, upper gastrointestinal tract, heart position, blood supply, and nutrient requirements are similar to humans.

• Pigs have a firm nose used for exploring the environment, and hooves with four toes that require nonslip flooring. Boar tusks are sharp and require trimming for safety.

• Swine are social animals but have little herding instinct and can behave unpredictably. They can become aggressive with little warning, and their principal defense is their teeth.

• Minipigs and microswine are social and easily socialized with humans, responding well to positive reinforcement and gentle handling. They prefer a clean environment and are vocal at feeding time.

• Restraint methods for minipigs are similar to those used for laboratory dogs, while domestic swine require more effort for training. Common restraint methods include slings, Terris confinement stands, V-troughs, and snares.

• Pigs are commonly identified with ear tags or microchips, but ear tattooing and notching should be avoided.

• Pigs should not be housed in cages unless necessary for a procedure, and should be housed in groups with limited sizes to promote a stable social hierarchy. Males and females should be housed separately.

• Designs for indoor swine facilities are developed to meet specialized needs, such as breeding, farrowing, and housing young pigs. Fences, pen dividers, and gates should be well constructed of durable material.

• Pigs are omnivorous and require diets formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Access to water under high pressure is essential for cleaning pens.

• Hoof trimming is essential for swine maintenance to prevent overgrowth of hooves and complications of inadequate hoof maintenance.

• Domestic swine may be housed outdoors in portable shelters or open-front sheds placed on concrete, with access to shade during the summer.Feeding, Enrichment, and Care of Laboratory Swine

• Laboratory swine, including miniature pigs, are available from commercial suppliers.

• Pigs should not be fed more than 2% of their body weight daily to prevent obesity.

• Outdoor pigs may require slightly more feed due to increased exercise.

• Minipigs and microswine are fed a low-calorie diet to prevent obesity.

• Adequate space for feeding and watering must be provided to prevent competition.

• Young pigs are usually fed twice a day, while older pigs are fed once daily.

• Automated drinking systems are recommended to ensure water is available ad libitum.

• Environmental enrichment, such as toys and substrate, is important for pigs to prevent boredom and negative behaviors.

• Autoclaved straw or hay can reduce aggressive behaviors and provide insulation.

• Pigs in pain may be unwilling to move and may become aggressive; observant technicians may detect changes in behavior and gait.

• Pigs should be euthanized with a lethal dose of barbiturate, cardiac injection of potassium chloride under anesthesia, or a penetrating captive bolt.

• Death must be verified, and carcass disposal should follow facility guidelines.

Swine in Biomedical Research

• Swine, including domestic and miniature breeds, are commonly used in biomedical research for studying exercise physiology, nutrition, atherosclerosis, diabetes, transplantation, toxicology, reproductive and pharmacological studies.

• Minipigs were selectively bred for their small size and docility, and are preferred for chronic studies due to their relatively long lifespan.

• The internal organs of pigs are similar to humans, making them a suitable model for research. Their skin, teeth, upper gastrointestinal tract, heart position, blood supply, and nutrient requirements are similar to humans.

• Pigs have a firm nose used for exploring the environment, and hooves with four toes that require nonslip flooring. Boar tusks are sharp and require trimming for safety.

• Swine are social animals but have little herding instinct and can behave unpredictably. They can become aggressive with little warning, and their principal defense is their teeth.

• Minipigs and microswine are social and easily socialized with humans, responding well to positive reinforcement and gentle handling. They prefer a clean environment and are vocal at feeding time.

• Restraint methods for minipigs are similar to those used for laboratory dogs, while domestic swine require more effort for training. Common restraint methods include slings, Terris confinement stands, V-troughs, and snares.

• Pigs are commonly identified with ear tags or microchips, but ear tattooing and notching should be avoided.

• Pigs should not be housed in cages unless necessary for a procedure, and should be housed in groups with limited sizes to promote a stable social hierarchy. Males and females should be housed separately.

• Designs for indoor swine facilities are developed to meet specialized needs, such as breeding, farrowing, and housing young pigs. Fences, pen dividers, and gates should be well constructed of durable material.

• Pigs are omnivorous and require diets formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Access to water under high pressure is essential for cleaning pens.

• Hoof trimming is essential for swine maintenance to prevent overgrowth of hooves and complications of inadequate hoof maintenance.

• Domestic swine may be housed outdoors in portable shelters or open-front sheds placed on concrete, with access to shade during the summer.Feeding, Enrichment, and Care of Laboratory Swine

• Laboratory swine, including miniature pigs, are available from commercial suppliers.

• Pigs should not be fed more than 2% of their body weight daily to prevent obesity.

• Outdoor pigs may require slightly more feed due to increased exercise.

• Minipigs and microswine are fed a low-calorie diet to prevent obesity.

• Adequate space for feeding and watering must be provided to prevent competition.

• Young pigs are usually fed twice a day, while older pigs are fed once daily.

• Automated drinking systems are recommended to ensure water is available ad libitum.

• Environmental enrichment, such as toys and substrate, is important for pigs to prevent boredom and negative behaviors.

• Autoclaved straw or hay can reduce aggressive behaviors and provide insulation.

• Pigs in pain may be unwilling to move and may become aggressive; observant technicians may detect changes in behavior and gait.

• Pigs should be euthanized with a lethal dose of barbiturate, cardiac injection of potassium chloride under anesthesia, or a penetrating captive bolt.

• Death must be verified, and carcass disposal should follow facility guidelines.