Pig Delayed Non-Match To Sample (DNMS) Task
Large-scale behavioral maze system for assessing spatial memory and hippocampal function in pigs through delayed non-match to sample protocols.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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The Pig Delayed Non-Match To Sample (DNMS) Task is a specialized behavioral testing apparatus designed to assess spatial memory and hippocampal function in porcine models. This large-scale maze system measures 4 meters by 3 meters by 1.2 meters, featuring controlled access pathways with guillotine and swing doors to manage pig movement during testing protocols. The apparatus enables researchers to investigate recognition memory, spatial learning, and the role of the medial temporal lobe system in memory processing.
During testing, pigs learn a specific path during the sample phase, retain spatial information through a delay period, and then demonstrate memory retention by selecting the novel path during the test phase. The maze design incorporates food reward systems to maintain subject motivation and includes precise spatial parameters with 1-meter wide arms and defined choice and goal areas positioned at specific distances from the start box. This apparatus supports both shaping protocols (10 trials per day) and formal testing sessions (5 trials per day) with standardized 180-second test durations.
How It Works
The DNMS task operates on the principle of delayed matching to sample, where subjects must demonstrate memory retention across temporal delays. During the sample phase, pigs learn to navigate a specific spatial route within the maze structure. The apparatus uses controlled access points with guillotine and swing doors to manage movement patterns and ensure proper task execution. Food rewards provide motivation for correct path selection, creating an operant conditioning paradigm that maintains subject engagement.
The spatial memory assessment occurs through a two-phase protocol: initial learning followed by a delay period, then testing with novel path options. The maze design creates distinct choice points at 1 meter from the start position and goal areas at 2.5 meters, establishing measurable spatial relationships. During the test phase, subjects must recall the previously learned route and demonstrate memory retention by selecting the novel path rather than the familiar one, challenging hippocampal-dependent spatial processing systems.
Features & Benefits
arm_width
- 1 meter
start_box_dimensions
- 1m x 1m
choice_area_distance
- 1 meter away from start
goal_area_distance
- 2.5 meters from start
door_types
- guillotine doors and swing doors
test_phase_duration
- 180 seconds
trials_per_day
- 10 trials (shaping), 5 trials (testing)
training_duration
- 5 consecutive days
habituation_period
- 3 weeks
Behavioral Construct
- spatial memory
- working memory
- recognition memory
- hippocampal function
- delayed matching
- spatial learning
Automation Level
- manual
Species
- Pig
Dimensions
- 4 meters x 3 meters x 1.2 meters
Research Domain
- Aging Research
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Weight
- 21.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 43.2 mm
- W: 38.0 mm
- H: 27.9 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maze Dimensions | 4m x 3m x 1.2m with 1m wide arms | Smaller scale designs often measure 2-3 meters maximum length | Larger dimensions accommodate adult pig subjects while providing sufficient spatial complexity for meaningful memory assessment. |
| Door Control Systems | Both guillotine doors and swing doors | Basic systems often feature single door type or manual barriers | Multiple door mechanisms enable precise movement control and standardized trial execution across different protocol phases. |
| Trial Structure Flexibility | 10 trials/day (shaping) and 5 trials/day (testing) | Fixed trial numbers often limit experimental design options | Flexible trial parameters accommodate both initial training and formal assessment phases within standardized protocols. |
| Test Duration Parameters | 180-second test phase duration | Shorter durations common in rodent systems | Extended time allowance accounts for larger animal movement patterns and decision-making processes. |
| Spatial Parameter Standardization | Defined choice areas at 1m, goal areas at 2.5m from start | Variable or undefined spatial relationships in basic designs | Precise spatial parameters ensure consistent experimental conditions and reliable memory assessment metrics. |
This apparatus offers comprehensive spatial memory assessment capabilities through large-scale dimensions specifically designed for porcine research, controlled access mechanisms for standardized trial execution, and flexible protocol parameters supporting both shaping and formal testing phases.
Practical Tips
Verify all spatial measurements including arm widths and choice/goal area distances before beginning habituation periods.
Why: Accurate spatial parameters are essential for reliable memory assessment and protocol standardization across testing sessions.
Regularly inspect and lubricate guillotine and swing door mechanisms to ensure smooth operation during trials.
Why: Mechanical door failures during testing can disrupt protocols and compromise data quality in behavioral assessments.
Implement the full 3-week habituation period before formal testing to minimize stress-related performance variables.
Why: Adequate habituation reduces anxiety responses that can confound memory assessment results and improve baseline performance consistency.
Record door operation times and subject movement patterns during each trial to identify potential protocol deviations.
Why: Detailed behavioral documentation enables identification of technical issues or subject-specific factors affecting memory task performance.
Ensure all door mechanisms include safety stops to prevent injury during subject movement within the apparatus.
Why: Safety features protect both subjects and researchers while maintaining protocol integrity during behavioral testing sessions.
Monitor food reward delivery consistency and adjust dispenser mechanisms if subjects show reduced motivation during trials.
Why: Inconsistent reinforcement can impact task performance and confound memory assessment results in operant conditioning paradigms.
Maintain consistent environmental conditions including lighting and ambient noise levels during all testing sessions.
Why: Environmental stability reduces confounding variables that can affect spatial memory performance and decision-making processes.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Modular maze wall segments (typical)
- Guillotine door mechanisms
- Swing door assemblies
- Assembly hardware and fasteners (typical)
- Installation manual and setup guide (typical)
- Protocol documentation (typical)
- Food reward dispenser components (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering structural components and mechanical door systems, with technical support for assembly and protocol implementation.
Compliance
What is the recommended habituation period before beginning formal testing protocols?
A 3-week habituation period is recommended to allow subjects to become familiar with the apparatus environment before starting formal DNMS testing sessions.
How many trials are conducted during shaping versus formal testing phases?
Shaping protocols use 10 trials per day, while formal testing phases are conducted with 5 trials per day over 5 consecutive days.
What is the duration allowed for each test phase trial?
Each test phase trial allows 180 seconds for task completion, providing standardized temporal parameters for spatial decision-making assessment.
Can the maze accommodate different sizes of pig subjects?
The apparatus dimensions (4m x 3m x 1.2m height) with 1-meter wide arms are designed for adult pigs, though specific weight ranges should be confirmed based on individual research requirements.
What types of door control mechanisms are included?
The system includes both guillotine doors and swing doors for controlled access management, enabling precise movement control during different phases of the testing protocol.
How does this apparatus compare to rodent T-maze designs?
The design follows T-maze principles but is scaled for large animal research with enhanced spatial complexity and controlled access features not typically found in standard rodent mazes.
What type of reward system integration is supported?
The apparatus supports food reward delivery systems positioned within goal areas to maintain subject motivation through operant conditioning paradigms.
Is assembly documentation provided for proper setup?
Installation manuals and setup guides are included to ensure proper assembly of the modular components and correct spatial parameter verification.
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