  In this study, we have compared magnetic and magnetostrictive properties of
polycrystalline CoFe$_2$O$_4$ pellets, produced by three different methods,
focusing on the use of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). This technique allows a
very short heat treatment stage while a uniaxial pressure is applied. SPS was
utilized to sinter cobalt ferrite but also to make the reaction and the
sintering (reactive sintering) of the same ceramic composition. Magnetic and
magnetostrictive measurements show that the reactive sintering with SPS induces
a uniaxial anisotropy, while it is not the case with a simple sintering
process. The induced anisotropy is then expected to be a consequence of the
reaction under uniaxial pressure. This anisotropy enhanced the magnetostrictive
properties of the sample, where a maximum longitudinal magnetostriction of
$-229$~ppm is obtained. This process can be a promising alternative to the
magnetic-annealing because of the short processing time required (22 minutes).
