[Concentrations of cortisol, glucose and free fatty acids in the blood plasma of swine in relation to age and in sows close to farrowing].

The glucose concentration in sows tends to undergo slight rise within 24 hours from farrowing, while the concentration of free fatty acids declines from the onset of lactation. Cortisol went up on the day of farrowing and dropped afterwards, but neither movement was secured. The plasma values of newborn piglets were compared to those of their dams Cortisol was higher (15.0 +/- 6.4 and 9.7 +/- 3.7 microgram/100 ml), but glucose concentrations were lower (50 +/- 9 and 78 +/- 9 mg/100 ml), while the average levels of free fatty acids were in good agreement. In the nursing period, cortisol dropped to one fifth of the original value within 24 hours from birth and stayed at that level. Glucose increased to a maximum within twelve hours and declined continuously along with progressing nursing period. The level of free fatty acids, too, rose significantly up to the fifth day after birth. Cortisol, glucose, and free fatty acids in store pigs, aged 28 days, were lower than in nursed piglets of the same age.