Scientists seek porky masterminds

11 February 1998

Scientists seek porky masterminds

SCIENTISTS are to investigate whether pigs are as smart as people think they are. The tests come in the wake of the escape fo the Tamworth Two, who tried to save their bacon by legging it out of an abattoir, and by the movie Babe, which put many off pork chops for life.

Professor Richard Byrne, an expert in primate behaviour at the school of psychology at St Andrew, and Dr Michael Mendl of Bristol University, will test the social aptitude of pigs to see if they understand the abilities of their pals or merely follow the instincts of the herd.

The agricultural systems division of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is funding the project with a £203,288 grant. It could ultimately guide husbandry principles for pig farmers.

Pigs have already been taught to play computer games with their snouts, although they have trouble working the keyboard with their trotters.

Prof Byrne said good animal welfare depended on a proper understanding of a pigs capabilities.

• The Scotsman 11/02/98 page 3