Modulatory Role of Ascorbic Acid on Behavioural Responses of Pigs Transported By Road during the Harmattan Season

Abstract

Experiments were performed on adult local pigs with the aim of investigating the modulatory role of ascorbic acid (AA) on their behavioural responses to 4-h, road transportation during the harmattan season. Sixteen adult pigs administered with AA at the dose of 250 mg/kg dissolve in sterile water served as experimental animals, and 13 others administered with sterile water were used as control animals. All the pigs were transported for 4-h at speed of 40-50 km/h covering a distance of 140 km. The behavioural activities were determined before and after road transportation. The behavioural activities were higher (P<0.05) in the experimental than control pigs immediately after transportation. In conclusion, AA ameliorates behavioural stress induced by road transportation of pigs for 4 h and may be of value in reducing adverse effects of road transportation in pigs.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid, Behavioural responses, Harmattan season, Pigs, Road transportation

Nig. J. Physiol. Sci. 26(June 2011) 061 – 065