Recording Brain Signals from Freely Moving Piglets

Abstract

Source: de Camp, et al. Noninvasive EEG Recordings from Freely Moving Piglets. J. Vis. Exp. (2018).

This video demonstrates the recording of brain signals from a freely moving piglet. The piglet's head is cleaned, and the electrodes are attached. These electrodes are then connected to a telemetry unit. The setup is secured with silicone rubber. The piglet is allowed to acclimate before data recording.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Piglet

1. Catch a piglet by grabbing it at the leg or the thorax. Hold it and be aware of any defecation or urination.
2. If necessary, mark the piglet with a number.
3. Wrap the piglet in a towel. The piglet will calm down. Be aware of overheating the piglet.
4. Hold the piglet with one hand at the body or forearm. Use the other hand to hold the snout. Be aware of overheating the piglet, and make sure it is free to breathe properly.

Results

Figure 1: A sleeping piglet with the telemetric EEG system.

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Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Disposable adhesive surface silver/silver chloride electrodes	Spes Medica S.r.l., Genova, Italy		Self adhesive hydrogel electrode
Abralyt HiCl	Easycap GmbH		Abrasive cream
Body Double fast	Smooth On Inc.		Skin adhesive silicone
Telemetry system			Internal development
Picolog 1216	Pico Technology		AD converter
Laptop	Panasonic		Rugged laptop
Receiver			Internal development