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Preferences of minipigs for environmental enrichment objects
Melody E Smith1, Neera V Gopee, Sherry A Ferguson
1Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas.
Summary
Minipigs in research show a strong preference for soft rubber cones over plastic balls or apples. This finding is crucial for developing effective environmental enrichment strategies for individually housed minipigs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Minipigs are increasingly utilized in toxicologic and behavioral research.
- Quantifying environmental enrichment preferences is vital for this species.
- Understanding preferences aids in ethical and effective animal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess environmental enrichment preferences in individually housed Yucatan minipigs.
- To identify object characteristics preferred by minipigs for enrichment.
Main Methods:
- Six prepubertal female Yucatan minipigs were exposed to three objects: a plastic ball, a plastic apple, and a rubber cone.
- Object interaction duration and other behaviors were recorded for 15 minutes post-change.
- Objects were rotated every 4-5 days over multiple sessions.
Main Results:
- Minipigs interacted significantly longer with the rubber cone (282s) compared to the plastic ball (14s).
- Interactions with the plastic apple (66s) were not significantly different from the ball, and decreased over sessions.
- Higher object interaction correlated with decreased general activity.
Conclusions:
- Soft, pliable objects like rubber cones appear to be more engaging environmental enrichment for minipigs.
- Findings offer practical insights for designing enrichment protocols for individually housed minipigs.
- Object design significantly influences behavioral responses in minipigs.
