A literal brain in a vat.
On the whole, it doesn't sound like a very nice procedure for the brain (or the rest of the pig)
2 pig subjects "were sedated with an intramuscular injection of tiletamine and zolazepam (4–8 mg/kg of each, in equal amount), atropine (0.04 mg/kg) and buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg). They were then administered inhaled isoflurane, except during neurophysiological recording as noted below, and oxygen (2 L/min). These gases were applied first via snout mask and immediately afterwards via endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilatory support. General anesthesia was maintained throughout the rest of the life of the animals, including euthanasia."
That protocol was approved by some suitable committee, in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and similar protocols. I think most people informed of the details and the purpose of the research would agree the benefits easily justify the cost of their sacrifice.
The 'tragedy of animal testing' isn't -- at least as relates to food stock animals.
This doesn't work as absolution by itself: many past horrors we now find abhorrent were the societal norm at their time.
Tradition does not beget complacency, nor does it preclude reflection. I'm also eating bacon and eggs for breakfast, just the vegan versions, which are really good these days.