DON’T BE A SWINE!
PIGGY in the middle is more than a game – it’s a sure way to stop a fight.
Boffins found that when one pig is attacking another, a third animal can step in to calm things down.
The “bystander pig” can intervene to either reduce the number of attacks by the aggressor or help reduce the anxiety of the victim.
A study of pigs on an ethical farm revealed the complex social groups they form and how they deal with disputes.
Researchers in Turin found conflict resolution involves either the reunion of former opponents, or the intervention of another pig to reduce aggression or anxiety.
More pigs get involved if they are closely related to the aggressor or victim.