In Danish multi-site production piglets are transported to another farm at weaning (3-4 weeks old), whereas under normal production conditions the first transportation takes place when piglets are about 10 weeks of age. In connection with the transport piglets from different litters are mixed. Weaning of piglets by it self is a very potent stressor that affects behaviour (6), stress response and immunological capacity. Mixing likewise is a potent stressor because it increases aggression and infectionrisk, and negatively affects the physiological and immunological stress response (4). The effects of transport of piglets at weaning have not been investigated, but in pigs 10 weeks of age transport has been shown to provoke a physiological stress response (1). The relative effects of the two stressors mixing and transport have not until now been described. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of mixing and transport at weaning on piglet welfare including health, and behaviour duringand after transport.
展开▼
