Pig

Beyond single metrics: Multi-parameter home-cage monitoring improves welfare assessment

Single outcome measures often fall short of the sensitivity and objectivity expected under European Directive 2010/63, particularly in fast progressing disease models. To address this gap, the German Research Foundation consortium FOR2591 collated data from 55 routinely used models in...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Amphibian, Baboon, Capuchin, Chimpanzee, Frog & Toad, Gibbon, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Pig, Rat, Rodent, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Talbot, S. R., Tolba, R. H., Bleich, A. 2026. Beyond single metrics: Multi-parameter home-cage monitoring improves welfare assessment. Laboratory Animals 60(1), 20–24.

Supplemental oxygen prevents hypoxemia in pigs (Sus domesticus) chemically restrained with ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and diazepam

The study described here evaluated the efficacy of supplemental oxygen in preventing hypoxemia (pO2 < 80 mm Hg) in pigs chemically restrained with ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and diazepam. Twenty gilts (154.5 ± 4.8 kg, 250 ± 2 days old) received a combination of ketamine (2...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Anesthesia & Sedation, Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Reis, A. N., Sanches, M. C., Henriques, M. A. et al. 2026. Supplemental oxygen prevents hypoxemia in pigs (Sus domesticus) chemically restrained with ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and diazepam. JAALAS 65(1), 132–136.

Advancing ethical standards in Göttingen Minipigs studies: The feasibility and reliability of Vascular Access ButtonsTM

The use of Vascular Access ButtonsTM (VABs) is gaining traction in animal research as a less invasive alternative to traditional venipuncture methods and a superior option compared with existing alternatives, such as vascular access ports (VAPs). By enabling repeated blood...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Drug/Substance AdministrationAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Reijnaers, M., van Dijk, J., Warmels, G. et al. 2026. Advancing ethical standards in Göttingen Minipigs studies: The feasibility and reliability of Vascular Access ButtonsTM. Laboratory Animals 60(1), 85–95.

Environmental enrichment strategies for growing pigs: Effects on welfare indicators and stress-related responses

This study investigated the impact of different environmental enrichment strategies on the welfare of growing pigs under industrial housing conditions. Four groups of piglets (n = 22 heads per group) were housed on fully slatted floors and provided with various...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Lykhach, A., Chentsov, M., Lykhach, V. et al. 2026. Environmental enrichment strategies for growing pigs: Effects on welfare indicators and stress-related responses. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology 14(1), 2026004–2026004.

Application of minimally invasive physiological monitoring techniques in pigs for scientific purposes

Wearable and implantable physiological monitors are designed for minimally invasive health assessment in companion animals. We aimed to establish proof-of-concept for the use of PetPace collar monitors and VetChip implantable monitoring devices in pigs. PetPace monitors were used to measure...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, External Bodily EquipmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Layton, R., Beggs, D., Mansell, P. et al. 2026. Application of minimally invasive physiological monitoring techniques in pigs for scientific purposes. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 29(1), 188–197.

AnaesthesiaSkills in Veterinary Medicine: Perioperative Management in Small, Companion and Domestic Animals

This book is designed as a practice-orientated text covering monitoring and equipment, established protocols, pain management, complications and underlying disease. The strength of the book is the inclusion of a relatively wide spectrum of species – dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets,...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Analgesia, Anesthesia & SedationAnimal Type: Cat, Cattle, Dog, Equine, Ferret, Gerbil, Goat, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Pig, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Eberspächer-Schweda, E. 2024. AnaesthesiaSkills in Veterinary Medicine: Perioperative Management in Small, Companion and Domestic Animals. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc, 512 pp.

Social housing of postoperative animals to support animal welfare

Single housing of animals, or social isolation, is a known stressor for many species. Generally, laboratory animals are housed in social groups as a default to support their behavioral welfare. In some research protocols, investigators may request exemptions from social...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Regulations & Ethical Review, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: All/General, Cat, Dog, Macaque, Marmoset, Mouse, Nonhuman Primate, Pig, Rabbit, Rodent

Citation: Darbyshire, A., Beninson, J., Dyson, M. C. et al. 2026. Social housing of postoperative animals to support animal welfare. JAALAS 65(1), 11–18.

Effects of pen partition design and hiding facilities on elimination and lying behavior of finishing pigs

In intensive commercial pig production systems, the spatial distribution of elimination and lying behaviors plays a crucial role in pen hygiene, management efficiency, and animal welfare. Pen partition design and the provision of hiding facilities are key structural factors that...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Yu, Z., Wang, H., He, Z. et al. 2026. Effects of pen partition design and hiding facilities on elimination and lying behavior of finishing pigs. Animals 16(5).

Musical stimulation in lactating sows affects pre-weaning piglet mortality and maternal behavior

Functional veterinary music, defined as music specifically designed in its tempo, rhythm, harmonic structure, and frequency ranges to modulate animal emotional states and behavior, has emerged as an innovative strategy for managing lactating sows. Exposure to functional music in other...

Year Published: 2026Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Montoya-Zuluaga, J., Álvarez-Hernández, N., Betancourth-Chaves, P. et al. 2026. Musical stimulation in lactating sows affects pre-weaning piglet mortality and maternal behavior. Scientific Reports 16(1), 4049.

Early-life socialization enhances social competence and alters affiliative preference in piglets

Early-life socialization (comingling with other litters before weaning) may affect social behaviors in pigs, but whether the impacts are sex-dependent is unknown. We assessed the effects of early-life socialization on interactions and behavioral responses of female and male pigs in...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Luo, L., Li, Z., Bolhuis, J. E. et al. 2025. Early-life socialization enhances social competence and alters affiliative preference in piglets. Animals 15(23).