[Stress, health and production in swine]

The "porcine stress syndrome" is a well established concept. Effects exerted on part of the meat type pig populations by their increased susceptibility to stress, resulting in meat quality defects, are meant by it. The problem of stress is rather a complex phenomenon. Stress is a part of daily life and can have negative as well as positive effects on performance and health, depending on its intensity and duration. These connections are discussed in the following paragraphs: 1. Definition of stress, and of stress-related reactions and possibilities of their assessment. 2. Stressors and their effects on the performance and health of pigs with regard to genetic dispositions. 3. Conclusions for the avoidance of stress effects in pig production.