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Pig Journal Volume: 57
Publication date: May 2006

Refereed Section

SICKNESS BEHAVIOUR AND STRESS SUSCEPTIBILITY IN THE PIG
S. Llamas Moya, L.A. Boyle, P.B. Lynch and S. Arkins

Abstract
Immunological challenges in pigs can result in a febrile state and cause behavioural alterations that are characteristic of sickness.  These non-specific signs of sickness are caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines, which act centrally inducing fever, as well as anorexia, lethargy or somnolence.  These physiological and behavioural changes are directed towards reducing the capacity of pathogens to replicate while maximising the host's ability to recover from the eliciting agent.  In addition, the nervous and immune systems are provided with the capacity to store information, which becomes invaluable upon exposure to repeated stressors and that may influence the outcome of the stress response.  Thus, stressful events can cause an impairment of the physiological and behavioural responses of pigs that may affect their susceptibility to suffer from stress or diseases.

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