The effect of environment on behaviour, plasma cortisol and prolactin in parturient sows (1994)

Lawrence, A. B., Petherick, J. C., McLean, K. A. et al.

Abstract

Gilts were moved into either conventional farrowing crates without bedding or pens allowing freedom of movement with straw beddding. Gild in pens spent considerable amounts of time in straw-directed behaviour, and gilts in crates increased amounts of floor- and fixture-directed behaviour. .. The general increase in cortisol in the early post-partum period may suggest that parturition in itself has stress-inducing aspects. The additional rise in cortisol found in the crated sows may indicate that the close confinement of the crate, by interfering with the expression of maternal behaviour, induces psychological stress. There was no evidence that the elevated cortisol response in crated gilts extended beyond the end of parturition.