The use of social network analysis to describe the effect of immune activation on group dynamics in pigs

The immune system can influence social motivation with potentially dire consequences for group-housed production animals, such as pigs. aim of this study was to test the effect a controlled activation in pigs, through an injection lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) and intervention ketoprofen on centrality parameters at individual level. In addition, we wanted time relative general network order get better understanding changes structures group 52 female pigs (11–12 weeks) were allocated four treatments, comprising two injections: ketoprofen-LPS KL ), ketoprofen-saline KS saline-LPS SL saline-saline SS ). Social behaviour focus damaging observed continuously 10 × 15 min bouts between 0800 am 1700 pm 1 day before (baseline) subsequent days after injection. Activity scan-sampled every 5 6 h last pen. Saliva samples taken cortisol analysis baseline 4, 24, 48, 72 injections. A affected ear manipulation networks Lipopolysaccharide-injected had lower in-degree centrality, thus, received less interactions, 2 challenge. Treatment effects tail fighting not For other body parts, positively correlated response 4 lying first challenge LPS-injected Thus, stronger reacted LPS, more interactions they days. relation networks, centralisation higher following injection, certain individuals pen than rest compared baseline. betweenness decreased baseline, indicating that connectivity increased Networks parts did change is method provide important insights into sickness