This experiment compares the effects of processing piglets during the first 24 hours versus 3 days of age on suckling and pain related behaviour as well as the passive transfer of immunoglobulines, and growth. It was concluded that processed piglets had decreased immunoglobuline serum concentrations compared to sham-processed and control piglets, and there was no interactio between treatment and age of treatment. Tail docking and ear notching do not appear to result in short-term pain and modulated immune status. Also, processing on day 1 appear neither better or worse than processing on day 3. 

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