Minimizing Stress In Pigs In Confinements When Conducting Research - A Review
Volume 4 - Issue 3, March 2020 Edition
[Download Full Paper]
Author(s)
Johnson, N. C., Iorliam, B
Keywords
Confinements, Minimizing Stress, Pigs and Research
Abstract
Very often when conducting biomedical research involving pigs, the animals are required to be in a confined environment such as metabolic crates. In confined conditions there are guidelines to be followed as to minimize stress on the animals in order to avoid biasing the data that would eventually be obtained from such studies. The guidelines are simply good practices for the confined animals to be observed as to ensure quality maintenance and safety of the animals while conducting the biomedical or behavioral research, especially when testing for products. Furthermore, they promote the humane care of the animals with specific specifications with the sole objectives that will enhance animal well-being and welfare. Overall, these guidelines fall under three categories of environmental, management and human factors.
References
[1]. S. Broussard, J. H. Zhou, H. D. Venters, R. M. Bluthe, R. W. Johnson, and R. Dantzer. 2001. At the interface of environment-immune interactions: cytokines and growth factor receptors. J. Anim. Sci. 79: E268-E284.
[2]. CCAC, 1993. Canadian Council on Animal Care. Guide to the care and use of experimental animals. Vol. 1, 2nd Ed. CCAC Ottawa, ON.
[3]. H. W. Gonyou, P. H. Hemsworth, and J. L. Barnett. 1986. Effects of frequent interactions with humans on growing pigs. Appl. Anim. Behavior Sci. 16; 269-278.
[4]. P. H. Hemsworth, J. L. Barnett, and C. Hansen. 1981. The influence of handling by humans on the behavior, growth and corticosteroids in the juvenile female pigs. Hormones and Behavior, 15: 396-403.
[5]. P. H. Hemsworth, J. L. Barnett, and C. Hansen. 1986. The influence of handling by humans on the behavior, reproduction and corticosteroids of male and female pigs. Appl. Anim. Behavior Sci. 15: 303-314.
[6]. P. H. Hemsworth, J. L. Barnett, and C. Hansen. 1987. The influence of inconsistent handling on the behavior, growth and corticosteroids of young pigs. Appl. Anim. Behavior Sci. 17: 245-252.
[7]. P. H. Hemsworth, J. L. Barnett. 1991. The effects of aversively handling pigs either individually or in groups on their behavior, growth and corticosteroids. Appl. Anim. Behavior Sci. 30: 61-72.
[8]. P. H. Hemsworth, J. L. Barnett, and G. J. Coleman. 1993. The human-animal relationship in agriculture and its consequences for the animal. Anim. Welfare, 2: 33-51.
[9]. N. C. Johnson. 2008. Music is always left on in the rooms housing confined pigs. Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Personal observation).
[10]. R. W. Johnson. 1997. Inhibition of growth by pro-inflammatory cytokines: and integrated view. J. Anim. Sci. 75: 1244-1255.
[11]. A. J. Moeser, C. V. Klok, K. A. Ryan, J. G. Wooten, D. Little, V. L. Cook, and A. T. Blikslager. 2007. Stress signaling pathways activated by weaning mediate intestinal dysfunction in the pig. Am. J. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 292: G173-G181.
[12]. NRC, 2012. Nutrient Requirements of Swine. 11th Ed. Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, DC.
[13]. N. K. Warant and D. M. Broom. 1993. The influence of a barrier on the behavior and growth of early-weaned piglets. Anim. Prod. 56: 115-119.
