Article of the week .

[JesusA (imported)]

The most upsetting scientific paper title this week is Castration-induced vocalisation in domestic piglets, Sus scrofa: Complex and specific alterations of the vocal quality by B. Puppe, P.C. Schon, A. Tuchscherer and G. Manteuffel in Applied Animal Behavior Science, vol. 95, p. 67.

Yes, they really did study the squeals piglets make when their testicles are chopped off. They conclude, somewhat unsurprisingly, that: “The observed changes of acoustical parameters during the surgical period can be interpreted as vocal indicators for experienced pain and suffering.” [This is Academic for "they screamed because it hurt".]

----quoted from New Scientist, 4 March 2006, p. 72

[incuse (imported)]

The most upsetting scientific paper title this week is Castration-induced vocalisation in domestic piglets, Sus scrofa: Complex and specific alterations of the vocal quality by B. Puppe, P.C. Schon, A. Tuchscherer and G. Manteuffel in Applied Animal Behavior Science, vol. 95, p. 67.

Yes, they really did study the squeals piglets make when their testicles are chopped off. They conclude, somewhat unsurprisingly, that: “The observed changes of acoustical parameters during the surgical period can be interpreted as vocal indicators for experienced pain and suffering.” [This is Academic for "they screamed because it hurt".]

----quoted from New Scientist, 4 March 2006, p. 72

I bet the gubment gave them a big grant for that study.

[JesusA (imported)]

Only if it was the GERMAN government. The set of authors are housed at the Forschungsbereich Physiologische Grundlagen der Tierhaltung, Forschungsinstitut für die Biologie landwirtschaftlicher Nutztiere in Dummerstorf, Germany.

[Paolo]

Dr. Doolittle was quoted as translating, "Son of a bitch! That hurts!"

[SplitDik (imported)]

I LIKE it when they squeal like a pig!

[Paolo]

Somebody's been watching "Deliverance" again...