Ch26 - Swine

Question 1

What is the difference between a female pig being called a “sow” versus “gilt”?

Answer 1

Sow = already produced a litter
Gilt = has NOT yet produced a litter

Question 2

What condition are newborn piglets susceptible to?

Answer 2

Hypothermia

Question 3

What is “farrowing”?

Answer 3

Giving birth to a litter of piglets

Question 4

True or False: pigs prefer a messy environment

Answer 4

False; pigs prefer a clean environment - they will defecate in one corner

Question 5

If you don’t routinely trim pig’s hooves, what can happen?

Answer 5

overgrowth of hooves, leading to difficulty walking, lameness, and diseases of the joints and hooves

Question 6

True or False: Pigs should not be group housed

Answer 6

False

Question 7

An intact male pig is called a _____.

Answer 7

Boar

Question 8

Scientific name for pig

Answer 8

Sus scrofa domestica

Question 9

True or False: pigs are intelligent and generally amenable to human contact

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Which types of pigs (mini, micro, or domestic) are always housed indoors in a controlled environment?

Answer 10

Microswine and minipigs

Question 11

Because of pig’s tendency to “root”, feeders must be _________

Answer 11

secured to the pens

Question 12

True or False: woven wire fencing is effective at keeping pigs contained

Answer 12

False; they are easily destroyed by adult pigs

Question 13

Water valve height should be ________

Answer 13

adjusted as pigs grow

Question 14

Which types of pigs (mini, micro, or domestic) can be housed outdoors in moderate climates?

Answer 14

Domestic swine

Question 15

If pigs are housed individually in pens, should they have any contact with other pigs? If so, what type of contact (visual, auditory, sensory)?

Answer 15

Yes; sensory or “snout” contact is preferable, but they should at least be able to see and hear other pigs

Question 16

Why should pig pens with horizontal bars be higher than pens with vertical bars?

Answer 16

To prevent pigs from climbing up the wall or out of the pen

Question 17

Swine in a lab should NOT be fed more than what percentage of their body weight daily?

Answer 17

2%

Question 18

List 3 signs of pain and/or distress in pigs

Answer 18

aggressiveness, squealing, unwilling to move, vocalizing when touched

Question 19

What is a common method for euthanizing lab pigs? What are two other appropriate methods?

Answer 19

Overdose of barbiturates

Other acceptable methods: cardiac injection of potassium chloride under anesthesia, and a captive bolt

Question 20

What kind of sling uses a crank mechanism to raise the animal off the floor?

Answer 20

Panepinto

Question 21

True or False: Personnel should crouch around aggressive swine to appear less of a threat

Answer 21

False

Question 22

How often should swine younger than 7 months be fed?

Answer 22

Twice per day

Question 23

What procedure help prevent piglets from becoming hypothermic?

Answer 23

A heat lamp is placed over the pen.

Question 24

Hairless strains of minipigs have been developed for use in what kind of study?

Answer 24

Skin sensitivity studies

Question 25

Female pigs can generally be bred beginning at what age?

Answer 25

6-7 months

Question 26

Which swine are most prone to fighting?

Answer 26

Young boars

Question 27

What are 3 types of tools commonly used for restraint in lab pigs?

Answer 27

Sling, V-trough, Terris confinement stand

Question 28

When is the best time to check pigs for signs of pain or distress?

Answer 28

During feeding times

Question 29

What is one of the main reasons for using pigs in research studies?

Answer 29

Their internal organs are very similar to human organs.