The effect of age and teat order on alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, cortisol, and average daily gain in commercial growing pigs

The objectives of the study were to evaluate age and teat order on a perfor mance trait, average daily gain, and on physiological stress indicators, al pha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N:L), and c ortisol in commercial growing pigs from weaning to market age. Pigs (n = 12 9) from five commercial California farms were weighed and blood-sampled at 28-d intervals from 28 to 168 d of age. Laboratory assays were performed fr om blood samples to quantify cortisol, AGP, and N:L. Age and facility effec ts (P < .001), but not teat order effects (P > .05), were found for all thr ee physiological traits and ADG. Pigs that routinely suckled from teats 1, 4, or 6 (numbered from anterior to posterior on the upper teat bank) had si milar (P > .05) ADG and BW throughout the production cycle. No correlation (P > .05) was found between cortisol, AGP, and N:L. The use of these physio logical and production traits as stress and health indices of growing pigs in commercial facilities has limitations in comparing data between faciliti es or different ages of pigs.