Pig training and conditioning Survey

You are invited to participate in a research survey conducted by the AALAS-FELASA Pig training and conditioning working group.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

Large animal species such as pigs are studied to better understand basic biology and physiology as well as for disease pathophysiology. Recent research indicates that minimization of stress and undesirable impacts to animals while performing these procedures improve animal welfare, caretaker satisfaction and data strength. Institutions have begun to explore ways to enrich housing conditions and implement conditioning techniques, such as positive reinforcement training in order to minimize stress in research pigs. The purpose of this survey is to assess the current state of training and enrichment for research pigs, including primary barriers to implementation and ongoing challenges.

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANT
Although there is no direct benefit to the individual for participating in the study, the research animal community may benefit from this research by gaining a better understanding of the benefits of training and enrichment for research pigs and how to overcome challenges of implementing and maintaining these programs at their facility.

RISKS TO PARTICIPANT

There are minimal risks for participants. Responses will be anonymous, minimizing privacy risks for participants.

PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL.

Participation in this survey is completely voluntary. ​Participants must be:

· 18 years or older

· Currently working with pigs in an animal research facility

It is anticipated that the survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The survey contains questions relating to your experience and familiarity with training, conditioning, and enrichment with pigs. You are free to withdraw from the survey at any time or skip any question you do not wish to answer without consequence. However, please be aware that once your responses have been submitted, it will not be possible to remove them from the data set since they are not associated with your identity.

Please contact Carly O’Malley by email at carly.omalley@crl.com if you have concerns or questions regarding participation or withdrawal from the survey.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Any and all information received will remain anonymous and be kept confidential. Please do not put your name anywhere on this survey and note that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed while data are in transit over the internet.

DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS

The responses from this survey will be analyzed and written for submission for publication. If you would like a summary of the research results once they are available, please email the research team separately to avoid having identifying information linked to your survey response.

Click "Next" to consent to starting this survey.