The objective of this study was to assess the behavioural response to castration of male pigs; and evaluate its effects on levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1b), as well as cortisol; and the acute phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp). It was found that Castrated piglets tended to have higher cortisol levels than handled pigs. Hence, behavioural observations were useful for evaluating the consequences of surgical castration on the welfare of pigs, indicating that animals undergoing this surgical procedure experience pain and discomfort that is persistent for up to 4 days.

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