Pig pheromones and behaviors: A review

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Chemical Ecology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Pheromones are crucial chemical signals for communication and social behavior across diverse animal species.
• In pigs, both steroid and non-steroidal pheromones have been identified, with known behavioral effects since the 1960s.
• Studies have identified numerous pheromone sources in boars and sows, impacting social and reproductive interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on pig pheromones.
• To summarize their sources, identified compounds, and implications for animal behavior.
• To highlight recent advancements in pheromone-based applications in swine production.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on pig pheromones.
• Analysis of studies reporting pheromone sources in boars and sows.
• Examination of research on pheromone-mediated behavioral consequences and applications.

Main Results:

• Pheromones are secreted from various sources in pigs, including saliva, urine, glandular secretions, and feces.
• Pig pheromones influence key behaviors such as puberty onset, estrus, agonistic interactions, and avoidance.
• Recent research has led to the development of pheromone-based products aimed at enhancing pig welfare and reproduction.

Conclusions:

• Pig pheromones are vital for social communication and reproductive processes.
• Understanding these chemical signals offers potential for innovative applications in swine management.
• Continued research is essential for optimizing the use of pheromones to improve pig production and welfare.