Sinclair has a very well established miniature swine production program. We consider the pre-shipping conditioning of the animals an integral part of the production program. The pre-shipping conditioning starts with the selection of the miniature swine and includes health and socialization considerations.

ANIMAL SELECTION
The animals are selected in compliance with the client requirements. The selected animals are given a physical examination. The identification is verified for each animals and the ear tag may be replaced if needed. A list that summarizes the animal identification, age, color, body weight, and location is generated for the client=s approval. The location is important for group housing.

HEALTH CONSIDERATION
In addition to the selection physical examination, the miniature swine will receive a broad gram negative vaccine (LPS derived from Salmonella choleraesuis; IMMVAC, Columbia, MO). This vaccine is optional at the request of the client or if we are aware of possible exposure to other miniature swine. An anthelmintic (Ivermectin, Ivomec7, Merial) is administered subcutaneously prior to shipping if an anthelmintic has not been provided as part of the regular preventative medicine program in the last two to four weeks.

SOCIALIZATION
Swine are particularly sensitive to shipping, changes in environment and feed. To minimize the stress associated with the transportation and the environmental changes, we socialize the miniature swine prior to shipping. Our socialization program consists of daily positive human contact and treat offerings. A simple treat consists of 5 to 10 ml of sucrose (Karo) syrup offered in a syringe, or a certified grade of sucrose in a 70% solution can also be used. The Sinclair's staff will provide as many days of training as possible prior to shipping. The treat administration is a two-step process. First, the animals are trained to like the treat. During this training, the treat is poured the miniature swine's mouth to expose the miniature swine to the taste of the treat. It generally takes between 1 to 7 offerings for the miniature swine to be highly sensitized to the treat taste. Second, the treat is offered in a manner favoring the contact between the animal technician and the miniature swine. For instance, the animal technician will gradually increase the contact with the miniature swine at each treat offering. We encourage our clients to continue this conditioning in their facility. This simple conditioning minimizes the adaptation time, facilitates animal handling, and results in a well-adjusted animal. We highly recommend a few minutes of daily positive human contact, in addition to treat offerings in the research facility.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Often the clients will have pre-shipping alterations (e.g. vascular access ports placement, feeding of a high fat diet, etc.) performed prior to shipping. These alterations are incorporated in the pre-shipping conditioning for these clients. Miniature swine shipped outside the United States will require to be tested for specific pathogens and may have to be quarantine prior to shipping according to the country of importation. Sinclair is well equipped and experienced to conduct simple to complex pre-shipping procedures.