Puberty in gilts handled pleasantly or unpleasantly
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
11-1987
Conference Title
Inaugural Conference of the Australasian Pig Science Association
Place of Publication
Albury, NSW
Keywords
puberty, pigs, swine, stress, reproductive performance
Disciplines
Meat Science | Other Animal Sciences
Abstract
Repeated unpleasant handling by humans can induce chronic stress in pigs (Hemsworth et al., 1981, 1986). The stressed pigs are fearful of humans, grow slowly and may have impaired reproductive performance. They also have elevated basal cortisol levels and at mating they do not exhibit a normal, acute release of cortisol. An acute release of cortisol is characteristic of prepubertal guts exposed to mature boars and this release is essential for maximal stimulation of puberty (Pearce and Hughes, 1987). If guts are chronically stressed they may not be able to respond to boar exposure with an appropriate release of cortisol and the onset of puberty may be disrupted.
Recommended Citation
Paterson, A M,
Pearce, G P,
and
Hughes, P E.
(1987), Puberty in gilts handled pleasantly or unpleasantly, Inaugural Conference of the Australasian Pig Science Association, Albury, NSW, pp.75-76.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/conf_papers/226
