Animal Behavior & CognitionbioRxivPreprint
Consolation behaviour in pigs: Prior exposure to group members in need of help drives targeted affiliation and facilitates social buffering
Álvaro L. Caicoya, Wiktoria Janicka, Liza R. Moscovice
This study shows pigs provide consolation through targeted affiliation after observing a stressed partner, reducing anxiety, while direct reunions increase anxiety and non-affiliative interactions.
DOI 10.64898/2026.04.02.716034