Laboratory Pigs
Pigs as Preclinical Models
Pigs are increasingly being used as preclinical models in medical research. Compared to the use of rats and other small animals, pigs are more similar to humans in terms of organs, genetics, body functions, and immune systems, and thus the use of pigs as model animals can more accurately predict the effects of a drug or medical device in the human body. Also, with gene editing technology, researchers can custom-breed specific pig models to mimic specific disease states in humans.
What Areas of Biomedical Research Use Pigs?
- Testing drugs, vaccines and medical devices. Pigs are also good models for vaccine research and development because their immune system is about 80% similar to ours.
- Dermatologic studies such as psoriasis, skin reactions, understanding how wounds heal and the best way to give skin treatments.
- Surgical Training. Pigs are one of the standard animals used to train surgeons to perform critical and complex surgeries.
- Gene editing. Genetically modified pigs are valuable in the study of many diseases, often providing a more accurate picture of human disease.
- Cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. Pigs help us understand cancer by mimicking how certain diseases and malignant tumors, such as heart disease and brain tumors, work in humans or respond to drugs.
- Infection and nutritional studies. Pigs can also provide important clues to healthy (or unhealthy) lifestyles and allow researchers to study diet-related conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
- Stem cells. Pigs tend to have stem cells similar to those of humans, for example in the colon, which again increases their chances of successful application to humans.
- Organ transplantation and donation.
Can Pigs Replace Dogs and Monkeys in Some Studies?
In brain research, scientists are increasingly using pigs to study brain diseases, sometimes instead of mice. Pigs are also seen as an alternative to monkeys in some areas of preclinical research, such as in testing therapeutic antibody treatments.
Qualified Environment
Substandard housing can lead to aggression, stereotyping and anxiety. Qualified housing is essential to improving health and well-being, both of which can enhance scientific validity. In addition, we ensure stable social groups, behavioral management, positive reinforcement of daily treatments/procedures, socialization and habituation training.
Socialization and Handling
Pigs are intelligent herd animals that require species-specific socialization and handling techniques. It is important to acclimatize animals to the facility and staff before treating them for an extended period of time. Gentle handling techniques rather than forced procedures are vital to their socialization. They need sturdy cages that meet specific building standards and toys that enrich the environment.
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