The effects of floor heating on body temperature, water consumption, stress response and immune competence around parturition in loose-housed sows
2009
Damgaard, B.M. | Malmkvist, Jens | Pedersen, L.J. | Jensen, K.H. | Thodberg, K. | Jorgensen, E. | Juul-Madsen, H.R.
The aim of the present study was to study whether floor heating from 12 h after onset of nest building until 48 h after birth of the first piglet had any effect on measures related to body temperature, water consumption, stress response and immune competence in loose-housed sows (n = 23). In conclusion, the present results indicate that floor heating for a limited period around parturition did not compromise physiological and immunological parameters, water intake and body temperature in loose-housed sows. The water intake peaked the day before parturition and the body temperature peaked on the day of parturition. A cortisol peak at parturition, a transient rise in the number of leucocytes and neutrophils and a transient reduction in the number of lymphocytes, erythrocytes and in the PCV value were observed. Around and after parturition some non-specific immunological variables seemed to be stimulated while others seemed to be compromised.
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