[Sequential analysis of effectiveness of diazepam, a tranquilizer, on stress in swine (author's transl)]

To study the effectiveness of diazepam, a tranquilizer, in alleviating the problems resulting from the mixing and moving of weaned piglets from one piggery to another, two procedures, one of short-duration transport and the other of long-duration transport, are used in a double blind clinical trial. Both followed mixing the pigs, but before they entered the new piggery. Results from both groups of pigs (treated and control) are sequentially analyzed. Measurements used are growth rate and feed conversion curves during the first 18-20 days of the prefattening period. Diazepam (I mg/kg IM) reduces feed conversion when used to alleviate the effects of the long journey, but increases feed conversion after the short journey when compared to controls injected with a placebo. Worsening effects seem related to increased aggressiveness in animals treated and transported. These results indicate that a better understanding of the action mechanisms of psychotropic drugs is necessary, and they should be used with caution in husbandry.