Abstract

Observed the behavior of 20 nonpregnant primiparous sows from the moment of 1st tethering until 2 hrs thereafter, and after being tethered for 1 and 2 mo. After 2 mo, Ss could be divided into 2 distinct groups: (1) high stereotypers (HSTs) and (2) low stereotypers (LSTs). Ss that resisted most at 1st tethering showed the lowest level of stereotyping after 1 and 2 mo. LSTs were more alert after 1 and 2 mo of tethering than HSTs. HSTs had lower mean heart rates after feeding (when stereotyping is most pronounced) than LSTs. This difference was already present before tethering when the sows were loose-housed. Differences in styles of coping in sows became more visible during tethering.