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Related Experiment Videos

Decrease in body temperature and locomotor activity as an adaptational response in piglets exposed to cold on

A H Swiergiel

    Physiology & Behavior
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary

    Young pigs denied heat access showed reduced growth, body temperature, and activity. Providing heat improved these metrics, indicating thermoregulatory behavior is crucial for piglet development and cold defense.

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    Area of Science:

    • Animal Physiology
    • Behavioral Science
    • Thermoregulation

    Background:

    • Early weaning and cold exposure pose significant challenges for young piglet development.
    • Thermoregulatory behavior is critical for maintaining homeostasis in young mammals.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of restricted thermoregulatory behavior on piglet growth, physiology, and activity.
    • To understand the role of active heat-seeking behavior in cold defense mechanisms.

    Main Methods:

    • Littermate piglets were weaned at 14 days and exposed to 10°C.
    • One group (OP) could operantly respond for heat; the control group (CP) received only light.
    • Growth, rectal temperature (Tre), locomotor activity, and body composition were monitored over six weeks.

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    Main Results:

    • OP piglets showed 134% greater weight gain and higher food efficiency (0.66) compared to CP (40% gain, 0.25 efficiency).
    • OP maintained a higher Tre (38.3°C) and 137% more locomotor activity than CP (36.7°C).
    • CP piglets exhibited reduced body size and altered skin-fat proportions, with improvements upon access to heat or food.

    Conclusions:

    • Restrictions on thermoregulatory behavior and autonomic thermogenesis lead to suppressed body temperature and activity in young pigs.
    • Active behavioral thermoregulation is essential for normal growth and physiological function in piglets under cold stress.
    • These findings highlight the importance of environmental temperature and behavioral opportunities for piglet welfare and development.