Pigs as Model Species to Investigate Effects of Early Life Events on Later Behavioral and Neurological Functions

Nordquist, Rebecca E.; Meijer, Ellen; Staay, Franz Josef van der; Arndt, Saskia S.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-809468-6.00039-5

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 220 publications

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“…Spatial learning is commonly tested through tasks or mazes where animals search for rewards. The most efficient strategy is then to only visit locations that contain rewards [ 29 ]. In spatial memory tasks, animals must, therefore, remember unrewarded visits [ 29 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The most efficient strategy is then to only visit locations that contain rewards [ 29 ]. In spatial memory tasks, animals must, therefore, remember unrewarded visits [ 29 ]. The initial visits to the straw rack may very well have been unrewarding, if the pigs were unable to retract straw from the rack and did, hence, not motivate the pigs to try again.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs

Wallgren

Gunnarsson

2021

Animals

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Unfulfilled exploratory behavior in pigs has been linked to tail biting, which causes reduced performance and welfare. Provision of straw can reduce tail biting, but large straw rations can cause poor hygiene in pens. This study examined whether provision of straw in racks, rather than on the pen floor, can enable larger straw rations without compromising hygiene. The study was conducted on a commercial farm with 458 undocked pigs in 42 pens provided with straw in racks or on the floor. Available straw and manual cleaning requirement were assessed daily, and presence of tail lesions was assessed weekly. Both treatments had a low requirement for manual cleaning (Floor: 1.7%, Rack: 1.8%). Pigs in the rack treatment had a higher incidence of lesions early in the production period, which coincided with these pigs initially not consuming straw from the rack, leading to low straw access. Late in the production period, these pigs had learned how to use the rack and had a lower incidence of lesions than pigs in the floor treatment. Delayed use of the rack may have been linked to undeveloped spatial skills in the pigs, which needs further research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs

Wallgren

Gunnarsson

2021

Animals

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“…These methods contribute to our understanding of rodent behavior and have been used to evaluate therapies to alleviate pain 136,137 ; similar methods have been used in pigs 73,90,104,122 . Motivational tasks are also available for pigs, such as judgement bias, discrimination, gambling tasks 138 and the marshmallow test 139 . The T-maze task was used in the development of the neurofibromatosis model to identify learning deficits 66,125 , but such tests have not yet been used for pain research in pigs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of porcine models in translational pain research

Meijs

Schmelz

Meilin³

et al. 2021

Lab Anim

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“…While some studies have also collected data until mid- to late lactation, daily ( 40 ) or on specific days ( 26 , 51 ), very few studies have looked at the effect of crate opening on sow and piglet behavior and performance beyond the suckling period ( 20 , 36 , 39 ). The importance of early-life experience in shaping future behavioral and physiological responses to challenges later in life is well-documented in mammals [for reviews—( 106 , 107 )] including pigs ( 108 ). Studies specifically relating to the farrowing environment have mainly concentrated on systems where the sow is either crated or loose and/or the level of enrichment provided for the piglets [e.g., ( 109 , 110 )] rather than exploring TC systems per se and therefore, the added layer of the sow being partly confined, partly loose.…”

Section: Methodological Limitations and Knowledge Gapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Temporary Crating of Farrowing and Lactating Sows

et al. 2022

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Temporary crating (TC) provides lactating sows with the opportunity to move more freely after crate opening a few days after parturition. The aim of this paper was to evaluate whether TC gives overall welfare improvement when compared to permanent crating or free farrowing. This review shows that when pens with TC allow the sows to turn during the majority of time in the farrowing unit, it is the pen design and period of confinement in a crate within it that influence the extent to which different functional and motivated behaviors can be fulfilled. This review also indicates that there are at least short-term benefits to sows when confinement is reduced, as shown by reported increases in motivated behaviors such as exploration and interactions with piglets when not permanently crated. It remains unclear whether there are any longer-term beneficial effects (until or beyond weaning) due to the paucity of studies. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the observed short-term benefits translate to other welfare indicators. Research findings indicate no reduction in the frequency of stereotypies or body lesions and do not provide a clear answer regarding sow stress response when released from confinement. Compared to free farrowing, TC appears beneficial for reducing piglet mortality. The impact of the time of onset of TC on the farrowing process and piglet mortality have been inconsistent. While confinement before farrowing prevents nest building behavior, consequences of this for sow physiology have been ambiguous. Confining the sow briefly after farrowing may be the best compromise, allowing the sow to perform motivated nest-building behavior, but the risks of crushing during the unconfined farrowing period may increase. Subsequent crate reopening seems to increase piglet mortality but only if done earlier than 3–5 days after farrowing. The review also provides methodological considerations, a proposal for consistent and accurate terminology when describing systems and highlights gaps of knowledge. In conclusion, TC is a step forward to better pig welfare compared to the farrowing crate, as it allows some freedom of movement for sows without impairing piglet welfare. However, more comprehensive research is needed to draw sound conclusions as to whether TC is a viable transition from permanent crating to free farrowing.

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Pigs as Model Species to Investigate Effects of Early Life Events on Later Behavioral and Neurological Functions

Cited by 7 publications

References 220 publications

Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs

Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs

A systematic review of porcine models in translational pain research

Review of Temporary Crating of Farrowing and Lactating Sows

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