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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 November 2017
Pregnant sows tethered in stalls frequently show high levels of stereotypic behaviour such as bar biting and chain chewing. This indicates chronic stress, with long-term effects similar to metabolic diseases (Broom, 1983; Cronin, 1985; Dantzer, 1985). Food restriction is a major cause, but sows restricted in food intake are variable in frequency of sterotypies (Appleby and Lawrence, 1987). Another possible cause of stress is the behaviour of neighbouring sows (Barnett, Hemsworth and Winfield, 1987). Here, the effect of stereotypic behaviour of neighbours on the development and performance of stereotypies is examined.