Evidence: Miniature pig (Sus scrofa) husbandry, health & nutrition
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered husbandry, health/disease/parasitology, and nutrition/feeding for Sus scrofa. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 42274632 (2026, Cells) — ADSCs-Exo Attenuate NET Formation via the NADPH/MAPK Pathway and Mitigate NETs-Mediated Exacerbation of Hepatocyte Ferroptosis in a Miniature Pig Model of LIRI.. Abstract (opening): The link between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and hepatocyte ferroptosis in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) is unclear. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (ADSCs-Exo) hold therapeutic potential for LIRI. This study employed miniature pigs to investigate the NETs' role and ADSCs-Exo's protection in LIRI. In vitro, established hepatocyte oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model and Transwell co-culture system with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). In vivo, a laparoscopic minimally invasive LIRI model was constructed in miniature pigs, followed by ADSCs-Exo intervention. Results demonstrated that NETs exacerbate OGD/R-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis via myeloperoxidase. ADSCs-Exo inhibited NET formation via the NADPH/MAPK pathway, thereby mitigating ferroptosis, and ultimately improved liver histopathology and function. This study is the first to demonstrate in a large animal model that ADSCs-Exo alleviate LIRI by inhibiting NET formation via the NADPH/MAPK pathway, consequently attenuating hepatocyte ferroptosis. These findings provide novel insights into LIRI pathogenesis, support the translational potential of ADSCs-Exo as a cell-free therapeutic strategy, and highlight the value of the miniature pig model in liver research.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42274632/
- PMID 41897953 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Intestinal Development in Wuzhishan Pigs at Different Growth Phases: Insights from Microbiome and Metabolomics.. Abstract (opening): Wuzhishan pigs are a typical Chinese indigenous miniature pig breed, with thin skin and high amino acid content in muscle; slow weight gain and long feeding phases limit their value. As the primary digestive and absorptive organ, the intestine is crucial for growth, yet current studies on its development are limited. This study aimed to investigate intestinal physiological differences in Wuzhishan pigs across four phases (pre-weaning: 7, 14 days; weaning: 35, 38, 45 days; fattening: 70, 100 days; maturity: 180, 240 days) by evaluating intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, gut microbiota diversity via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metabolite characteristics via metabolomic analysis. Results showed poor intestinal morphology and enzyme activity during weaning, significant ileal and colonic microbial diversity differences across phases, increased beneficial bacteria with age, and enriched opportunistic pathogens (<i>Streptococcus</i>, <i>Romboutsia</i>, <i>Terrisporobacter</i>) during weaning; weaning also had lower lipid metabolites, correlated with decreased <i>Fusobacterium</i>, <i>Lactobacillus</i>, and <i>Muribaculaceae</i>. Fattening enhanced amino acid metabolism, with increased <i>Lactobacillus</i> correlated with higher amino acids and muscle-related metabolites, while maturity increased immune-related metabolites (e.g., pyridoxine) in the vitamin B6 pathway. These results explain delayed rapid weight gain in Wuzhishan pigs and provide a theoretical basis for maintaining intestinal stability and production performance.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41897953/
- PMID 42245910 (2026, JBMR plus) — From farm to lab: gene-edited sheep transforming bone research.. Abstract (opening): For more than half a century, mice have been the workhorse of biomedical research. Their small size, rapid reproduction, and well-characterized genetics make them ideal disease models, and genome editing has enabled transgenic, knock-out, and knock-in lines that mimic numerous human conditions. These advances transformed modern biology, yielding fundamental insights into cancer, metabolism, immunity, and more. Their strengths notwithstanding, mouse models have important limitations, as biology does not scale neatly across species. Differences in physiology, size, and metabolism can obscure-or even distort-experimental outcomes. Nowhere is this clearer than in musculoskeletal research. Human bones are dynamic tissues that undergo Haversian remodeling, whereas mice exhibit limited Haversian remodeling and display distinct temporal growth trajectories. Moreover, mice have monophyodont dentition and craniofacial development diverges in ways that impact maxillofacial studies, and aging timelines differ. These differences limit our ability to understand human bone disorders from murine models alone. Biotechnology offers a new path forward: advances in genome sequencing, assembly and molecular engineering enable precise DNA editing in larger domesticated species-sheep, goats, and pigs-whose skeletal size, biomechanics, growth patterns, and remodeling dynamics more closely mirror humans. By introducing targeted, patient-relevant mutations, large-animal models can replicate mechanisms difficult to capture in mice and support longitudinal, clinically-relevant phenotyping-imaging, histomorphometry, serum biomarkers, and functional testing-in a translatable human-like context. The implications are profound. Large-animal models can validate disease pathways, refine biomarkers, and evaluate drugs, biologics, and implants, potentially improving treatment strategies and reducing clinical failures and costs. This shift does not diminish the value of mice, whose genetic tractability and cost-effectiveness ensure a central and continued important role in discovery. Rather, it adds a complementary strategy: expand to gene-edited large-animal models when human skeletal-like biology matters and where mice fall short, thereby bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical reality.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42245910/
- PMID 41482416 (2026, In vivo (Athens, Greece)) — Establishment of a Step-down FSH Superovulation Protocol in Microminipigs for Zygote Collection.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background/aim</h4>Domestic pigs have become increasingly important models in translational research; however, their large size presents logistical and ethical challenges. Microminipigs offer a practical alternative for long-term studies. This study aimed to develop an effective superovulation protocol using a step-down follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regimen to improve zygote collection in microminipigs.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>In experiment 1, four female microminipigs with regular estrous cycles were used in both the control and treatment conditions in a crossover design. Treatment group was received prostaglandin F2α (PGF<sub>2α</sub>), followed by step-down FSH, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Follicle number, area, and diameter were monitored by ultrasonography from day -6 to day +1 of estrus. In experiment 2, three female microminipigs were used. Zygotes were retrieved at day 1 by oviduct flushing.<h4>Results</h4>On day 0, the number of follicles was higher in the treatment group (93.0±7.74) compared to the control (46.8±5.01). Significant differences were observed on days -1 and 0, while by day+1, the number of follicles decreased in both groups. Follicle area was significantly larger in the treatment than in the control group (0.81±0.03 cm<sup>2</sup> <i>vs.</i> 0.63±0.04 cm<sup>2</sup>) on day -2, with no significant differences detected on days 0 and +1. Follicle diameter was also significantly greater in the treatment group compared to the control (3.4±0.1 mm <i>vs.</i> 2.7±0.1 mm) on day -2, while no significant differences were found on days -1, 0, and +1. In experiment 2, an average of 14.7 zygotes per animal were recovered. The cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were 62.8% and 59.4%, respectively.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The step-down FSH protocol effectively enhanced ovarian response and embryo yield in microminipigs, marking a foundational step toward the efficient reproductive engineering for this animal model that may contribute to the advancement of translational research.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41482416/
- PMID 41827111 (2026, Journal of clinical medicine) — Present Advances and Emerging Challenges in Kidney Xenotransplantation.. Abstract (opening): Xenotransplantation, particularly the use of genetically modified pigs for kidney transplantation, is gaining attention as a potential solution to the organ shortage. Pigs are ideal donors due to their physiological similarity to humans and rapid reproduction rates. Advances in gene editing technologies like CRISPR have enabled the development of genetically modified pigs that express human-compatible molecules while lacking xenogeneic antigens, such as Galα1-3Gal, which trigger strong immune responses. These modifications significantly reduce the risks of hyperacute and acute rejection, major barriers to successful xenotransplantation. Preclinical studies involving non-human primates and deceased human donors have shown promising short-term results, indicating that pig kidneys can function in human recipients. However, there are no documented cases of long-term survival, and the long-term effects of such transplants remain uncertain. Additionally, concerns about zoonotic disease transmission from pigs to humans necessitate robust pathogen detection systems to ensure safety. More research is also needed to understand immune responses to xenogeneic organs and develop effective immunosuppressive therapies. Ethical considerations surrounding the use of animal organs require ongoing societal dialog. Continued research is essential to establish xenotransplantation as a viable treatment for patients with renal failure.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41827111/
- PMID 41681490 (2026, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Genomic Signatures Underlying Environmental Adaptation and Reproductive Traits in the Tibetan Pig.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>The Tibetan pig, a highland breed with exceptional adaptability to harsh environments (cold, hypoxia, coarse feed) but poor growth/reproductive traits, was studied to uncover genetic mechanisms and support breeding improvements.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted de novo genome assembly of a male Tibetan pig using stLFR sequencing, supplemented with ONT data, and compared the assembly to the Duroc pig genome (v11.1).<h4>Results</h4>The assembled genome (2.25 Gb, contig N50 = 136.5 Mb, GC content = 41.74%, 94.16× coverage) showed 96.9% BUSCO completeness. Structural variant (SV) analysis identified 22,008 insertions and 27,639 deletions, with an SV genotyping accuracy of 0.9735. Selective sweep analysis highlighted adaptive genes: <i>XIRP2</i> (cardiac function), <i>KSR2</i>/<i>CACNA1A</i> (fat metabolism), <i>COL11A1</i> (cartilage), and <i>ADORA2A</i> (vascular regulation). Tibetan pigs exhibited the fewest and shortest runs of homozygosity (ROHs) among four breeds, with ROH-linked SNPs implicating lipid catabolism genes (<i>LIPE</i>, <i>PNPLA2</i>, <i>MGLL</i>, <i>DGAT1</i>). An SNP-based GWAS revealed reproductive trait associations: immune gene <i>IL2RB</i>, energy metabolism genes <i>PRKAG2</i>, <i>ADGRA1</i>, and <i>PTPRN2</i>, and growth genes <i>SLIT2</i> and <i>BMP6</i>. SV analysis identified additional candidates: energy metabolism genes <i>HAO2</i> and <i>NRG4</i>, growth genes <i>MTUS2</i> and <i>FGF12</i>, and immune genes <i>SCGB1A1</i> and <i>C8A</i>.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study provides a chromosome-level genome assembly of a male Tibetan pig (generated from stLFR and ONT data), and, through whole-genome resequencing of 124 Tibetan sows, identifies key genetic factors underlying Tibetan pigs' environmental adaptability and reproductive limitations, enabling genomic strategies to enhance breeding efficiency while preserving adaptive traits.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41681490/
- PMID 41703287 (2026, Communications biology) — Immunogenicity assessment and epitope mapping of the ASFV proteome by profiling serum antibodies with ASFV antigen phage libraries.. Abstract (opening): The continued spread and regular outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have severely threatened the pig-related industries, causing economic losses. African swine fever virus (ASFV) encoded more than 150 different proteins, but the biological characteristics of the majority of these proteins remain unknown. In this study, we leveraged the Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIp-Seq) platform to perform an exhaustive serological analysis of ASFV to characterize the specific reactivities of serum anti-ASFV IgG antibodies against the ASFV proteome at peptide resolution. High-resolution epitope mapping of the ASFV antigens was conducted, and a total of 29 ASFV antigens with high immunogenicity were identified, 14 of which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been previously identified as serological antigens. The immunogenicity of these 29 antigens was evaluated, and their conservation was statistically analyzed across 169 ASFV strains. We found that the uncharacterized protein DP238L is a conserved antigen that is widely hit within the population. The immunogenicity of DP238L and multi-epitope recombinant proteins was validated by immunoblotting and animal immunization trials, confirming the immunogenicity of the identified antigens and the reliability of the PhIp-Seq based epitope mapping strategy. These findings provide insights into the structures and functions of antigen proteins and identify crucial targets for ASFV detection and vaccine development.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41703287/
- PMID 41484550 (2026, BMC genomics) — The hybridization analysis of pedigree: whole-genome re-sequencing reveals genomics characterization and genetic basis of growth trait of Qinchuan black pigs.. Abstract (opening): BACKGROUND: Understanding the genetic basis of hybridization trait between Chinese indigenous pig and their commercial relatives may contribute to germplasm innovation. The Qinchuan black (QCB) pig is a new composite breed under development generated from Chinese indigenous pig breeds (i.e., Guanzhong black pig, GZB) and intensive pig breeds (i.e., Yorkshire, also called Large white pig, LW). Investigated gene functions inherited from parent help us to understand the genetic basis of excellent phenotype similar with their parents, in which parents correspond to grandparents for hybrid population in our study. RESULT: Here, we performed population structure and admixture analyses to elucidate the genetic position of QCB among Asian and European pig breeds. Ancestral track analysis revealed the LW contributed more genomic components in QCB genome, particularly on chromosome 7. This asymmetric inheritance may be influenced by linkage disequilibrium blocks. The offspring genome exhibited high genetic diversity, as did its maternal genome (GZB). Both genomes were characterized by a reduced number and shorter length of Run of Homozygosity (ROH). Finally, we used HKA test to investigated key gene in QCB that were inherited from its parents and that regulate important economic traits. Our results identified a significant association between an NPC1L1 haplotype inherited from the LW genome and body weight in four-month-old QCB. CONCLUSION: Our research provides a novel strategy for utilizing previously identified functional loci or genes to guide the breeding of domestic pig for improvement economic traits in crossbreeding systems.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41484550/
- PMID 41947624 (2026, Laboratory animals) — Population-genomic stability of a closed-herd <i>GGTA1</i>-knock-out miniature pig line for xenotransplantation.. Abstract (opening): Genetically engineered pigs are essential donors for xenotransplantation, requiring phenotypic stability and genetic definition. We evaluated the newly established <i>GGTA1</i>-knock-out "XENO" line, maintained as a closed herd for >10 generations, against Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) miniature swine, commercial Landrace (LR), and Yorkshire × Landrace (Y × L) populations. One hundred and thirty-nine pigs were genotyped using an 80K SNP BeadChip. Morphometric monitoring at 18 months showed no significant differences in body weight, length, height, or heart girth between XENO and MGH pigs (all <i>p</i> > 0.05). Principal component and phylogenetic analyses separated the four groups into distinct genetic clusters, confirming the uniqueness of the XENO line. Chromosome-wide linkage disequilibrium was markedly higher in XENO (initial <i>r</i><sup>2</sup> > 0.8; half-decay ≈ 50 kb) than in commercial lines, reflecting intensive inbreeding. Linkage disequilibrium-derived historical effective population size (<i>N</i><sub>e</sub>) in XENO was approximately 1.5-fold lower than in LR/Y × L, but comparable to MGH. ADMIXTURE analysis supported <i>K</i> = 3 ancestral components with <2% introgression into XENO. These findings demonstrate that closed-herd management preserves phenotypic uniformity while establishing a genetically homogeneous, independent donor line. XENO pigs exhibited overlapping growth trajectories with MGH animals, providing a genomically stable resource for preclinical xenotransplantation.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41947624/
- PMID 42060065 (2026, Drug delivery and translational research) — Translatability of a miniature pig model to predict subcutaneous clinical injection times with a high-volume auto-injector and recombinant human hyaluronidase.. Abstract (opening): Miniature pigs are an established preclinical model for subcutaneous (SC) drug administration; however, research on the direct translatability of this model is limited. This post hoc analysis of preclinical and clinical data assessed the translatability of performance characteristics of a high-volume auto-injector (HVAI) and SC injection site outcomes from the miniature pig model to humans. An HVAI was developed to subcutaneously administer 10 mL of an antibody solution at a targeted delivery time of ~ 30 s. These rapid, high-volume injections were facilitated by co-administration with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20. The HVAI was assessed in previous preclinical studies in miniature pigs and in a Phase I clinical trial using the same devices (syringe pump and HVAI), test solution, and injection hardware, facilitating direct comparison between injection outcomes. Injection duration and injection site outcomes (swelling, induration, erythema, back-leakage) were measured in all studies. Injection force measurements with the syringe pump in pigs versus humans allowed for the calculation of a scaling factor to model injection duration in humans (90.8%) which was used to estimate an injection time of 27.5 s with this specific HVAI configuration. Observed injection duration between the two species were similar and not statistically different (30.0 s vs 27.9 s; p = 0.17). Swelling and induration were more significant in pigs than in humans (p < 0.01), while erythema scores tended to be higher in humans than in pigs (p < 0.05). Collectively, the miniature pig is a translatable model for subcutaneous injection that can generate useful predictions of injection times in human studies and de-risk clinical trials.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42060065/
- PMID 42528680 (2026, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes ameliorate copper metabolism dysregulation and reduce cuproptosis caused by liver IRI.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury is an important pathological factor leading to complications after hepatectomy and transplantation. Although cuproptosis has been reported as a new paradigm of programmed death triggered by copper homeostasis imbalance, its regulatory mechanisms and intervention strategies in liver IRI remain to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to reveal the role of cuproptosis in liver IRI, and to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-Exos) exert therapeutic effects by regulating copper metabolism.<h4>Methods</h4>Rat IRI models were established to evaluate copper metabolism dysregulation and cuproptosis activation. Subsequently, miniature pig models underwent laparoscopic IRI induction to assess ADSC-Exos's effects on copper homeostasis restoration over 7 days post-injury.<h4>Results</h4>We found that liver IRI disrupts copper homeostasis through a dual pathway: it inhibits membrane transporters CTR1 and ATP7B to affect copper ion excretion, and down-regulates intracellular copper chaperones ATOX1, CCS and COX17 expression, resulting in intracellular copper metabolism disorders. Excessive copper ions will bind to the lipoylated protein DLAT, induce its oligomerization and mitochondrial Fe-S cluster protein depletion, eventually leading to cuproptosis in hepatocytes and aggravating IRI. The intervention of ADSC-Exos can effectively regulate the disorder of copper metabolism in hepatocytes, inhibit the occurrence of cuproptosis, and reduce liver IRI.<h4>Discussion</h4>This study first confirmed the damage mechanism of cuproptosis pathway caused by liver IRI, and revealed the regulatory mechanism of ADSC-Exos to hinder the process of cuproptosis by repairing the copper metabolism pathway of hepatocytes.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42528680/
- PMID 42389468 (2026, Burns & trauma) — Preclinical evaluation of a bioartificial kidney loaded with functional renal tubular cells in a Bama miniature pig model of acute renal failure.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>Severe acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality. Current blood purification technologies fail to replace the biological functions of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), such as active transport, acid-base homeostasis, and endocrine regulation. The integration of viable RTECs into an extracorporeal circuit to construct a bioartificial kidney represents a potential strategy for renal functional support. However, its translation is constrained by the rapid loss of seed cell phenotypes, immune and coagulation activation triggered by conventional materials, and a lack of <i>in vivo</i> validation in large animal models. However, three key challenges hinder its clinical translation, which this study seeks to address: the rapid loss of seed cell phenotypes, immune and coagulation activation triggered by conventional materials, and a lack of <i>in vivo</i> validation in large animal models.<h4>Methods</h4>We engineered a renal tubule assist device (RAD) that integrates viable cells with a functionalized interface. First, we established an immortalized human proximal tubule cell line [immortalized renal tubular epithelial cell line (iRTEC)] and achieved scalable expansion using a microcarrier system. Second, we fabricated a cell-supporting interface [chlorogenic acid/poly-L-lysine-modified pristine nanofibrous membrane (CA/PLL-PNF)] with antioxidant properties and enhanced hemocompatibility via the layer-by-layer self-assembly of PLL and CA onto polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membranes. Finally, we assembled these components into a flat-plate bioreactor and evaluated its extracorporeal performance in a Bama miniature pig model after bilateral nephrectomy.<h4>Results</h4>iRTECs were stably expanded on microcarriers while maintaining a proximal tubule phenotype, and these cells outperformed existing cell lines in terms of amino acid hydrolysis and transmembrane transport, acid-base regulation, water transport, and endocrine responsiveness. With respect to the supporting interface, CA/PLL-PNF effectively scavenged diverse free radicals and mitigated cellular oxidative stress. Proteomic analysis confirmed that this modification remodeled the plasma protein corona, which significantly reduced the adsorption of complement and coagulation factors. In the bilaterally nephrectomized pig model, the RAD safely maintained extracorporeal circulation for 4 h-the duration of routine clinical dialysis-and preserved internal homeostasis. The antioxidant interface significantly attenuated circulating lipid peroxidation during treatment. Compared with hemofiltration alone, the RAD significantly enhanced the clearance of middle-molecule toxins (β<sub>2</sub>-microglobulin) and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels at the outlet, demonstrating its capacity for the active modulation of local inflammation.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study established a renal support platform that integrates viable cells and functional materials. The device exhibited multidimensional biological efficacy in toxin clearance and internal homeostasis regulation and achieved stable extracorporeal circulation in a preclinical large animal model, which provides experimental evidence for advanced organ support strategies in the setting of severe AKI.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42389468/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_mini_pig_husbandry_health_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).