Serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential biomarker of swine welfare.

Objective: Describe concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) detectable in piglet sera before and after road transport, and evaluate the correlation of serum BDNF with other physiological parameters used to assess swine welfare.

Animals: Commercial crosses of piglets that underwent weaning and transport at approximately 3 wk of age.

Procedure: Sixteen piglets were randomly selected from a larger study for complete blood counts, serum biochemistry testing, cortisol assays, and BDNF assays.