Jorge - Different animals are used for different types of studies based on a) sensitivity to stressors b)similarity in biological mechanisms to humans (and other organisms - depends what you are trying to model) c) similarity in structure.
Other factors are logistic: 1) cost effectiveness 2) easily domesticated (or already domesticated) 3) whether they are endangered 4) (politically a potential big one) whether they are already being raised for food so will not raise concern of IRBs or animal rights groups (so long as the animals are raised using methods and conditions that meet animal welfare standards). Pigs are used a lot for skin because of all the models, domesticated and lab, young pig skin is actually pretty similar to human skin and has relatively similar sensitivity to a lot of chemical stressors. Donkeys are used for lung / respiratory studies... same reason. Pigs are by no means the most common lab model for humans, you must realize that. but pigs are already domesticated, easy and relatively cost effective to raise, don't give IRBs or PETA heartache because they are already being raised for slaughter in large quantities for food, and are in no way endangered. All of these factors make pigs good large animal models for organ systems and effects that are appropriate for comparative study. Diane Henshel On Sat, Apr 11, 2015 at 3:10 PM, Jorge A. Santiago-Blay <[email protected] > wrote: > Why are pigs used as models of human biology > > Dear Ecolog-Listers: > > I often wonder what are the reasons why pigs seem to be used so often in > studies of human physiology. For phylogenetic reasons, I would have thought > chimps would be the preferred choice. Is it because of humane, $, or are > there other considerations? Thank you. > > If you know, please send me an email to: [email protected] > > Sincerely, > > Jorge > > Jorge A. Santiago-Blay, PhD > blaypublishers.com > > 1. Positive experiences for authors of papers published in *LEB* > http://blaypublishers.com/testimonials/ > > 2. Free examples of papers published in *LEB*: > http://blaypublishers.com/category/previous-issues/. > > 3. *Guidelines for Authors* and page charges of *LEB*: > http://blaypublishers.com/archives/ *.* > > 4. Want to subscribe to *LEB*? http://blaypublishers.com/subscriptions/ > > > http://blayjorge.wordpress.com/ > http://paleobiology.si.edu/staff/individuals/santiagoblay.cfm > -- Diane Henshel Indiana University 1315 E 10th #340 Bloomington, IN 47405 812 855-4556 P 812 855-7802 F [email protected]
