The negative impact of stress on physiological processes has been generally known for a long time, but few studies address the decrease in the motor activity of digestion because of stress. Electromyography, a non-invasive method used in humans for nearly 100 years, is suitable for measuring smooth muscle activity. In recent years, the method has also been adapted for pigs. The aim of our preliminary study was to determine whether ACTH induction affects the smooth muscle activity of the digestive organs in pigs and whether this can be demonstrated using electromyographic measurements. Measurements were performed on 30 kg Topigs x Duroc barrows (n = 4) under normal and stress conditions. Stress induction was carried out by intravenous administration of ACTH injection at a dose of 10 µg/kg body weight, which dose corresponds to a mild stress effect. Data were recorded continuously for 8 hours, segmented into 30-minute intervals during data processing, and analyzed using Fast Fourier Transformation and expressed as Power Spectrum maximum measure of value. Our results showed significant decrease in smooth muscle activity in stomach and a tendency for reduce in small intestine post ACTH induction, which may influence digestive processes through reduced motor activity.

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