Pigs
Pigs are omnivores and similar to humans in many ways, which means they are suitable for research on certain types of human diseases.
Blood circulation around the heart is similar to that in humans, and pigs, like humans, can experience heart attacks. Hardening of the arteries and high cholesterol are also problems in pigs. The skin is formed in a way similar to humans and is used in research on burn injuries.
Surgeons practice operations, e.g. for bullet wounds, in pigs since their organ systems are similar to ours and because pigs are about as large as humans, which enables realistic training.
In recent years, considerable effort has been invested in minipigs as an alternative to dogs for drug research.
Surgeons practice operations, e.g. for bullet wounds, in pigs since their organ systems are similar to ours and because pigs are about as large as humans, which enables realistic training.
In recent years, considerable effort has been invested in minipigs as an alternative to dogs for drug research.
Text: Karin Nordin
References
- John Bräutigam, veterinarian, Swedish Board of Agriculture
- Helena Elofsson, Fil. Dr. Zoology, Swedish Board of Agriculture
- Anne Halldén Waldemarson, University veterinarian at Karolinska Institutet
- Torgny Jeneskog, University veterinarian at Umeå university
- Karl-Gustav Jacobsson, University veterinarian at Uppsala university
Responsible for content: Mats Ulfendahl, Secretary General of Medicine and health, Swedish Research Council.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
