Mini pig
As a mini-pigs are called diminutive domestic pigs . In addition to many original mini-pig breeds from certain regions, the term mini-pig mainly encompasses breeds and lines that were specially bred for experimental purposes or for hobby keeping.
history
Even in ancient Greece, humans made use of the physiological and anatomical similarities between pigs and humans in order to research certain human medical relationships. Small breeds of pigs emerged much later, however. One of the first breeds is the Minnesota mini pig, which was developed in the USA in the 1940s. Many others followed after him. The aim of all breeders was to breed a manageable experimental animal which, due to the anatomical similarities to humans, is competitive with other experimental animals of the large group of non-rodents. The advantages over large pigs are the smaller space requirement, the better handling during the experiments, lower feed costs and, above all, lower experiment costs, since the dosage is based on body weight when developing new drugs.
Parentage and size
In principle, all domesticated pigs, including mini pigs, descend from the European or Asian wild boar . Mini pigs weigh around 65 kg and are 12 to 15 years old. Height and body weight vary from breed to breed.
Mini pig breeds
- Göttingen mini pig
- Munich miniature pig
- Vietnamese pot-bellied pig
- Minnesota minipig
- Panepinto
- Ohmini
- Clawn
- Hanford
- Yucatan
- Mini sib
- Pitman Moore
- Guinea Hog
- American mini pig
Designations such as "Bergsträßer Knirps" or "Wiesenauer Minischwein" are no guarantee for breed standards and can at best be assessed as a breeding line . The names only indicate the origin of the animals and are chosen by the breeders themselves.
Göttingen mini pig
The Göttingen mini pig was created in the 1960s at the University of Göttingen from the mating of American mini pigs, the Minnesota mini pigs and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Later on, German landrace was crossed in order to produce uniformly white pigs. This means that skin reactions can be seen better and comparability between animals is guaranteed. The Göttingen mini pig is currently the most frequently used mini pig breed in biomedical research.
nutrition
Like all their conspecifics, mini pigs are basically omnivores . However, feeding meat and kitchen scraps is prohibited by law due to the risk of disease transmission .
Pigs are always hungry, which is why a balanced amount of feed is important. A daily amount of food of one to two percent of the body weight is sufficient. Fattening feed, as used in pig fattening , is unsuitable for this. Instead, there are plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as broken corn, wheat bran, yoghurt, milk, carrot pellets and special feed mixes especially for mini pigs. Basically, mini pigs also need grass or hay. Raisins, cheese and scrambled eggs are one form of reward. However, due to the high sugar content, raisins should only be given rarely. A varied diet is also important.
Young pigs are best given piglet grain . Piglet starter , a special concentrate feed used in agriculture for piglets that are weaned from breast milk after just 24 days, is not suitable for mini piglets.
Pet ownership
The pet ownership of mini pigs began several years ago in America and is becoming increasingly common in Europe. The problem here is that despite their small size and human ties, these animals have the status of livestock and are subject to all the provisions that apply to agriculture. This includes corresponding regulations for fencing in the site, feeding, reporting to official institutions and state-ordered culls in the event of an epidemic .
Basically, there should be no pure housing. The mini pig has similar needs to a normal, large pig. That is why they need a run that measures at least 100 m² per pig. Dry stables in the outdoor area are just as important as straw and a pasture or garden. Mini-pigs are - like all pigs - social animals and need to be close to conspecifics. It is also usually possible to live with dogs, cats or other pets if you bring them into contact with them early enough. Their wild relatives, the wild boars , live in family groups, the so-called packs , in which there is a fixed hierarchy. When keeping pets, it is therefore important to show the pigs that you are, so to speak, the head of the ranger, i.e. the head of the group.
So-called clicker training is recommended to keep the pigs busy . If you want to teach the pig to roll a ball, for example, every correct action by the pig is rewarded with a click, which is generated with the help of a clicker, and a subsequent treat. Then when it hits the ball, it will get a few more treats than before.
Vaccinations against rabies in areas at risk of rabies and red running should be carried out as regularly as possible.
literature
- AE Dettmers, WE Rempel, RE Comstock: Selection for small size in swine. In: J. Anim Sci. Volume 24, 1965, pp. 216-220.
- AE Dettmers, WE Rempel, DE Hacker: Response to current mass selection for small size in swine. In: J. Anim Sci. Volume 33, 1971, pp. 212-215.
- P. Glodek, E. Bruns, B. Oldigs, W. Holtz: The Göttinger Minischwein - a laboratory animal with worldwide significance. In: Breeding Science. Volume 49, 1977, pp. 21-32.
- P. Glodek, B. Oldigs: The Göttingen miniature pig. Paul Parey, Berlin 1981, ISBN 3-489-75718-1 .
- V. Porter: Pigs - A handbook to the breeds of the world. Helm Information, Mountfield 1993, ISBN 1-873403-17-8 .
- Elke Striowsky: mini-pigs . Kosmos, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 3-440-10472-9 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ AE Dettmers, WE Rempel, RE Comstock: Selection for small size in swine. In: J. Anim Sci. Volume 24, 1965, pp. 216-220.
- ↑ AE Dettmers, WE Rempel, DE Hacker: Response to current mass selection for small size in swine. In: J. Anim Sci. Volume 33, 1971, pp. 212-215.
- ^ V. Porter: Pigs - A handbook to the breeds of the world. Helm Information, Mountfield 1993, ISBN 1-873403-17-8 .
- ↑ P. Glodek, E. Bruns, B. Oldigs, W. Holtz: The Göttinger Minischwein - a laboratory animal with worldwide significance. In: Breeding Science. Volume 49, 1977, pp. 21-32.
- ↑ P. Glodek, B. Oldigs: The Göttinger miniature pig. Paul Parey, Berlin 1981, ISBN 3-489-75718-1 .