The effects of handling on behavioural and physiological responses to housing in tether-stalls among pregnant pigs (1998)

Pedersen, V., Barnett, J. L., Hemsworth, P. H. et al.

Abstract

It was concluded that the nature of the human-animal relationship affected the physiological stress responses of pregnant pigs to tether-housing. Indications are that a positive human-animal relationship would obviate some of the negative effects of being kept in tether stalls by lowering the basal cortisol concentration and by increasing immunological responsiveness.