THE KANGAROO ISLAND STRAIN OF PIG IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The feral pig from Kangaroo Island has descended from British breeds released onto the island by early explorers approximately 180 yr ago. It has developed into a smaller pig than the modern commercial equivalent, with distinctive and reproducible physical characteristics and a physiology which appears to bestow on it some advantages in terms of fitness and vigor. It adapts easily to laboratory and intensive piggery conditions where it reproduces satisfactorily. It has a higher erythrocyte count and PCV [packed cell volume] than the equivalent Large White and a lower white blood cell count. Plasma Na K and glucose were significantly higher and HCO3 urea and creatinine lower in the Kangaroo Island strain. It represents a useful strain of pig for biomedical research, approaching in size the miniature pigs used overseas. A useful approach to routine bleeding of pigs is described.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: