Effect of adaptation to handling on the circulating corticosterone concentration of laying hens.

Single Comb White Leghorn hens were used to determine the effects of adaptation to handling on circulating corticosterone concentrations. Blood samples were collected either by brachial venipuncture (BVP) or by brachial vein cannula (BVC). Half of the birds in each group were first adapted for 1 week to the handling procedure. Adaptation to handling resulted in reduced plasma corticosterone concentrations.