At Pirbright, pigs play a crucial role in scientific research, helping scientists understand viruses, how they spread, and to develop vaccines for major animal and human diseases.
However, our research pigs don’t just participate in science, they also get VIP treatment from our Animal Technicians. From rooting through fresh straw to playing with food-filled ‘party bags,’ the team behind their care ensures these intelligent animals are engaged and stimulated by their environment.
Curious, clean and full of personality
Ask anyone on the Animal Services team what they love most about pigs, and the answer is unanimous: their personalities.
“They’re curious, intelligent, and love to get in the way!” says Lou Carder, Animal Facility Manager.
“Some are shy, while others are outgoing and confident. Some love scratches and human interaction, some prefer to keep their distance. We had one pig that would run up and snort loudly at us as if to announce she was in charge!”
“They also quickly learn the routines we have, so they know which step in the cleaning process is before the food is going to be put down. This is when they start snorting loudly at us as they get excited to eat their feed.”
Despite common misconceptions, pigs are also surprisingly clean, avoiding toileting where they sleep and designating a ‘toilet area’ in the pen.
VIP (Very Important Pig) treatment
Our technicians keep an enrichment rota, mixing up the activities daily while keeping in mind their natural behaviours, the way they like to interact with enrichment and what they have seen work well in the past.
Our Animal Technicians love to get creative with their enrichment ideas in the form of food, toys, chews, bedding and sometimes classical music.
Some of the pigs’ favourites include:
Party bags: “We have created ‘party bags/boxes’ which are old food bags, and carboard boxes filled with straw and their favourite fruit, veg and feed for them to destroy.”
Fresh straw day: “It’s always fun to see them rooting through the fresh straw. Sometimes they even get the zoomies!”
Pumpkin parties: “Some pigs will carry their pumpkins around the room to keep them away from the others, while some stick their whole head inside to get to the best bits!”
Mud wallowing: “We mixed coconut fibre with water to create a ‘mud’ wallow. It was a huge hit!”
Sweet treats: “Adding jam to their toys and watching them all devour a watermelon is also one of our favourites.”
Science with care
Caring for pigs goes beyond playtime. Our technicians follow strict welfare standards and regulations, incorporating an acclimatisation period to help pigs settle into their new environment and build trust with their caretakers.
Staff undergo a lot of training to ensure procedures, such as blood sampling, are done as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimising the need for restraint. The wellbeing of the pigs always comes first, even if that means halting a procedure to avoid unnecessary stress.
“We are always looking for ways to refine how we care for the animals to ensure welfare standards are as high as possible, following the 3Rs. We have a strong culture of care at the Institute and our scientists are very supportive of the welfare of their animals and understand that working with them is not always straightforward.”
The team holds wash-up meetings after each study, providing an opportunity to review the process, address any challenges, and refine approaches for future studies.
Engaged, healthy pigs make for better science. By prioritising welfare and enrichment, at Pirbright we ensure these animals stay active and stimulated while contributing to vital research.
The Pirbright Institute adheres to strict legislation and upholds the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in all animal research. We are committed to high standards of care, as well as openness and transparency.
