Aggression Model in Pigs

SPEAK WITH A SCIENTIST

mdbiosciences-neurology-leading-preclinical-CRO-1

Modeling Aggression in a Translational Large Animal

Aggression is a multifactorial, naturally occurring behavior characterized by actions intended to dominate, defend, or eliminate a perceived threat. It is modulated by neurobiological pathways involving serotonin, dopamine, and androgenic signaling, and shaped by genetic predisposition, early life experience, and environmental stress. In animal models, aggression serves adaptive roles in territoriality, hierarchical structuring, and resource competition. The pig's neurobiological complexity and social repertoire make it a well-suited species for studying aggressive behavior and evaluating compounds intended to modulate it. MD Biosciences has developed a resident-intruder model of aggression in Göttingen minipigs that elicits and quantifies aggressive behavior under controlled, reproducible conditions.
Speak with a scientist
Screenshot 2026-06-15 at 12.40.19 PM
Scientific Data

Risperidone reduces dominance behavior 

In a validation study, the antipsychotic risperidone produced a dose dependent reduction in the duration of dominant behavior during resident-intruder encounters, falling from approximately 460 seconds at baseline to roughly 135 seconds at 1 mg/kg and about 20 seconds at 2 mg/kg. The effect was statistically significant at both doses, demonstrating the model's sensitivity to a clinically used compound with known anti-aggressive activity.

 

EXPLORE RESOURCES

Screenshot 2026-06-15 at 12.40.35 PM
Scientific Data

Open Field Testing Distinguishes Effect from Sedation

Open field testing was run alongside the behavioral scoring to characterize locomotion and separate a genuine reduction in aggression from general sedation. At 2 mg/kg, risperidone significantly reduced total walking distance and increased immobile time, while effects at 1 mg/kg were more modest, indicating that the lower dose can reduce aggressive behavior with a smaller impact on overall activity.

EXPLORE RESOURCES
 

Assessments

MD Biosciences offers comprehensive in vivo measures and endpoint assessments, delivering robust data packages to support critical research decisions in the evolving landscape of drug development and biomedical research.
behavior

Behavior 

Conduct extensive pain, sensory, motor, and cognitive behavioral testing.

biomarker

Biomarkers

Explore inflammatory and pain biomarkers in disease-specific tissues.

histology

Histology

Characterize tissue and cellular changes in disease, pain, and neurodegeneration.

electrophysiology

Electrophysiology

Measure motor and sensory evoked potentials to assess disease progression and pain.

Explore our Resources

READY TO DISCUSS YOUR PROGRAM?

MD Biosciences is your dedicated partner in drug development, offering tailored study designs, translational models, and comprehensive endpoints. With short lead times, competitive pricing, and deep scientific expertise, we help move your pipeline forward efficiently.

Request Proposal