Description
Features |
Length of maze: 2.79m |
Height of maze: 0.96m |
Width of maze: 1.86m |
Lengthof removable y maze low-wall: 0.84m |
Width of handle area: 0.90m |

Introduction
The piglet removable Y-maze is designed to study learning, memory, and choice behaviors in piglets. This apparatus is an adaptation of the rodent Y-maze, used for assessing choice behaviors. It features an open arena with a removable low-wall divider on one side, forming two choice compartments and creating a Y-shaped structure.
This maze offers a straightforward environment to simultaneously evaluate piglets’ responses to different stimuli. In domestic pigs, human interactions are common, and positive or negative experiences with handlers can significantly influence their behaviors (Brajon, Laforest, Bergeron, Tallet, & Devillers, 2015). The piglet removable Y-maze is effective for observing changes in preference behaviors and other behavioral adjustments resulting from prior handling experiences. Additionally, it can be used to study responses to various stimuli and conditions, such as different environmental setups and sociability. It also facilitates the evaluation of the effects of diseases, brain lesions, or pharmacological manipulations on learning, memory, and choice behaviors.
The maze includes a removable isolation board that separates the start area from the choice area, preventing immediate contact with the stimuli as piglets enter. Other tools for evaluating behaviors in piglets and pigs include the Piglet T-Maze, the Pig 8 Arm Radial Maze, and the Pig Conditioned Place Preference Chamber.
Apparatus and Equipment
The piglet removable Y-maze measures 2.79 m in length, 1.86 m in width, and 0.96 m in height. It features a rectangular open space with a removable low wall divider, 0.84 m in length, which can be inserted on one side to create two choice compartments, each measuring 0.84 m by 0.9 m. Additionally, the maze includes a detachable isolation board that can be placed to separate the starting area from the choice compartments, providing an isolated section for the subjects.
Training Protocol
Clean the maze after every trial. Appropriately light the maze. A tracking and recording system such as theĀ Noldus Ethovision XTĀ can be used to assist with observations.
Data Analysis
The following can be observed on a piglet removable Y-maze:
- Number of times approached/interacted stimuli in the left compartment
- Number of times approached/interacted stimuli in the right compartment
- The latency of subject to enter each choice compartment
- Time spent in contact with the stimulus in either compartment
- Time spent in the isolation area
Strengths and Limitations
Summary
- The piglet removable Y-maze is used to study learning, memory, and choice behaviors in piglets.
- It consists of an open arena that has a removable low wall divider inserted to create two choice compartments.
- An isolation board allows the creation of an isolation area in the maze. This also allows the introduction of task delays.
- It can also be used to test the effects of different treatments such as diseases and disorders, brain lesions, or pharmacological manipulations on learning and memory behaviors.
References
Brajon, S., Laforest, J. P., Bergeron, R., Tallet, C., & Devillers, N. (2015).Ā The perception of humans by piglets: recognition of familiar handlers and generalisation to unfamiliar humans.Ā Animal Cognition,Ā 18(6), 1299-1316. doi: 10.1007/s10071-015-0900-2