Based on a well-defined model disease (Sarcocystis miescheriana), we have studied behavioural patterns (lying inactive [LYWA], activity during lying [ADLY], feeding [FEED], drinking [DRNK], rooting [ROOT], walking [WALK] and social interactions [SOCB]) of pigs during stages of health (day 0, before infection), acute disease (day 14 post-infection [p.i.]), recovery (day 28 p.i.), and chronic disease (day 42 p.i.). It was found that Deviation from the populations ‘‘standard’’ activity (before infection) could be predicted with clinical–chemical parameters (e.g. alkaline phosphatase). However, further investigations on other disease models are needed to validate suitability of clinical–
chemical traits in assessing suffering and welfare in diseased pigs in the future.

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