Multimodal characterization of Yucatan minipig behavior and physiology through maturation

Abstract

Brain injuries induced by external forces are particularly challenging to model experimentally. In recent decades, the domestic pig has been gaining popularity as a highly relevant animal model to address the pathophysiological mechanisms and the biomechanics associated with head injuries. Understanding cognitive, motor, and sensory aspects of pig behavior throughout development is crucial for evaluating cognitive and motor deficits after injury. We have developed a comprehensive battery of tests to characterize the behavior and physiological function of the Yucatan minipig throughout maturation. Behavioral testing included assessments of learning and memory, executive functions, circadian rhythms, gait analysis, and level of motor activity. We applied traditional behavioral apparatus and analysis methods, as well as state-of-the-art sensor technologies to report on motion and activity, and artificial intelligent approaches to analyze behavior. We studied pigs from 16 weeks old through sexual maturity at 35 weeks old. The results show multidimensional characterization of minipig behavior, and how it develops and changes with age. This animal model may capitulate the biomechanical consideration and phenotype of head injuries in the developing brain and can drive forward the field of understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and developing new therapies to accelerate recovery in children who have suffered head trauma.

Home security cameras as a tool for behavior observations and science affordability

“…Wyze cameras have been used to record behavior in frogs (Gupta et al, 2016), fish (McGaugh et al, 2020), pigs (Netzley et al, 2021), and chimpanzees (Havercamp et al, 2022). The diversity of animals and environments studied with these cameras illustrate their adaptability for many research projects.…”

“…Wyze cameras have been used to record behavior in frogs (Gupta et al, 2016), fish (McGaugh et al, 2020), pigs (Netzley et al, 2021), and chimpanzees (Havercamp et al, 2022). Recently, Wyze cameras have also been paired with robotics to quickly and efficiently manipulate behavioral interactions when the camera was triggered (Chen et al, 2023).…”

The Pig as a Translational Animal Model for Biobehavioral and Neurotrauma Research

“…higher anxiety levels (Figure 3) [43,50]. In a study published by Haigh et al (2020), it was determined that pigs who were bitten by other members of the herd exhibited more anxious behaviors in the open field compared to pigs who committed the biting acts [49].…”

“…A spatial baited ball pit task was first published by Netzley et al (2021), wherein food rewards were distributed evenly throughout a shallow pool and hidden under colorful plastic balls ( Figure 2 ). The investigators found that over the course of several weeks, healthy pigs become faster and more accurate at retrieving the rewards [ 43 ].…”

Mechanical stiffness and anisotropy measured by MRE during brain development in the minipig

“…The minipig is commonly utilized in brain research, including investigation of brain mechanical properties ( Guertler et al, 2018 ) and mechanisms of traumatic brain injury ( Atlan et al, 2018 ; Atlan et al, 2019 ; Netzley et al, 2021 ) due to its anatomical and physiological similarities to humans ( Schomberg et al, 2016 ). The minipig has a gyrencephalic brain with a ratio of cerebral WM to gray matter (GM) which is similar to humans ( Swindle et al 2012 ), and on the order of 1 to 3.…”