Effect of the duration of commercial journeys between rearing farms and growing–finishing farms on the physiological stress response of weaned piglets

摘要: To find the effect of journey duration on stress levels weaned piglets a combination physiological welfare indicators was used. One hundred and thirty-six were monitored in two replicates short (0.6 h) long (8.3 h) commercial transport from rearing to growing–finishing farm. Variables studied haematocrit, red blood cell count (RBC), total white (WBC), differential WBC counts, serum pig's major acute phase protein (Pig-MAP), haptoglobin (Hp), cortisol, glucose, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein, albumin before loading immediately after unloading. A marked increase leucocytes (P < 0.01) tendency lower eosinophil concentrations (P = 0.086) observed those transported during journeys. On other hand, decrease lymphocytes particularly remarkable journeys (P < 0.01). No Hp transports found, but an Pig-MAP at end (P < 0.001). Cortisol did not show significant changes either or According CPK (P < 0.05) LDH activities, some physical fatigue detected transports, The haematocrit values (P < 0.05), absence variations RBC, albumin, would indicate that loss body water both durations reduced. Sex affect response transport, which could be attributable young age animals. Changes together with tendencies higher (P = 0.092) neutrophil counts (P = 0.076), suggest more heterozygous for halothane gene (Nn) than homozygous negative (NN) piglets. Overall results that, although generally stressful, it is unclear detrimental piglet welfare, different respect older pigs.