scholarly journals Dietary energy level, feeder space, and group size on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing barrows and gilts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M N Smit ◽  
X Zhou ◽  
J L Landero ◽  
M G Young ◽  
E Beltranena
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Floor Area ◽  
Caloric Density ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Feeder Space

Abstract To benefit from feeding low net energy (NE) diets, growing-finishing pigs must be able to increase feed intake to compensate for lower caloric density, but this might be difficult in pens with a high stocking density. Access to the feeder, trough space, and(or) floor area may limit voluntary feed intake. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationships among dietary NE level, feeder space, group size, sex, and interactions in growing-finishing pigs. In a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, 1920 pigs (33 kg) housed in 96 fully-slatted floor pens (6.1 × 2.4 m) with 2 or 3 feeder spaces, and 18 or 22 barrows or gilts per pen, were fed either low (9.2 MJ/kg) or high (9.85 MJ/kg) NE diets over 5 growth phases (Grower 1: day [d] 0 to 20, Grower 2: d 21 to 41, Grower 3: d 42 to 62, Finisher 1: d 63 to 80, Finisher 2: d 81 to slaughter). Pen body weight (BW) and average daily feed disappearance (ADFD) were measured for each growth phase, biweekly from the start of shipping and at slaughter. Warm carcasses were weighed and graded (Destron). For the entire trial, pigs fed low versus (vs.) high NE diets had 0.119 kg/d greater (P < 0.001) ADFD, but 0.556 MJ/d lower (P < 0.050) average daily caloric disappearance (ADCD), and 0.017 kg/kg lower (P < 0.001) gain-to-feed (G:F). Pens with 18 vs. 22 pigs had 0.062 kg/d greater (P < 0.001) ADFD, 0.730 MJ/d greater (P < 0.010) ADCD, and 0.029 kg/d greater (P < 0.001) average daily weight gain (ADWG). Pigs in pens with 3 vs. 2 feeding spaces had 0.051 kg/d greater (P < 0.010) ADFD, 0.511 MJ/d greater (P = 0.050) ADCD but 0.004 kg/kg lower (P < 0.050) G:F. Pigs fed low vs. high NE diets had 0.6 kg lower (P < 0.050) carcass weight and 0.9 mm lower (P < 0.050) loin depth. Pens with 18 vs. 22 pigs took 2.8 days less (P < 0.001) to reach 130 kg slaughter BW. Pens with 18 vs. 22 pigs had a 0.4 %-point decrease (P < 0.050) in dressing percentage. Feeding low vs. high NE diets reduced (P < 0.001) feed cost by Can $21.87/tonne, $3.34/pig, $0.03/kg gain, and increased (P < 0.05) gross income subtracting feed cost (ISFC) by $1.82/pig. Housing 18 vs. 22 pigs per pen increased (P < 0.010) ISFC by $1.98 per pig. Lack of interactions between NE level, feeder space, and group size for ADFD indicate that low NE diets can be fed to pigs even if they have lower than recommended floor area allowance during part of the finishing phase.

262 Fiber and Co-product Utilization in Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 105-105
Author(s):  
R T T Zijlstra ◽  
E Beltranena
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Oilseed Meal ◽  
High Fiber ◽  
Flour Milling ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Energy Dependent

Abstract Fiber is one of the four macronutrients that yield dietary energy for pigs (others are starch, fat, and protein). To yield energy, fiber must be fermented (primarily in the hindgut) by microbes producing volatile fatty acids (VFA). Price increases for traditional feedstuffs such as cereal grains and protein meals have stimulated the pork industry to consider dietary inclusion of fibrous co-products that are produced when grain is processed into human food, fuel, and bio-industrial products. High fiber co-products include distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), oilseed meal, expeller, and cake, and co-products from flour milling. As omnivores, pigs are ideally suited to convert these non-human edible co-products into high quality food animal protein. Thereby, co-products can partially offset increases in feed cost provided their price is competitive per unit of net energy or digestible lysine, but also present risks and feeding challenges. Effects of feeding high fiber co-product may depend on diets being balanced for energy value or not. In weaned pigs, high fiber diets were thought to reduce feed intake, and thereby hinder energy intake during the energy-dependent phase of growth. However, such a relation is not solid across the spectrum of dietary fiber. Fiber characteristics play a role in gut health and early development. High fiber diets have lower energy digestibility and concurrent lower feed efficiency, but increased feed intake may maintain growth. In growing-finishing pigs, high fiber diets increase viscera mass, and thereby reduce dressing percentage. In restricted-few sows, fiber and produced VFA play a role in reaching satiety responses. In conclusion, depending on the price of high fiber co-products, high fiber diets may be part of a range of solutions to reduce the feed cost, and may thereby support economically-sustainable pork production.

Empiric narrowing of the net energy value of reduced-oil corn distillers’ dried grain with solubles for growing-finishing pigs

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-241
Author(s):  
M. N. Smit ◽  
V. Zamora ◽  
M. G. Young ◽  
N. G. Campbell ◽  
B. Uttaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Tissue Composition ◽  
Energy Value ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Net Energy Value ◽  
Corn Distillers ◽  
Feeding Diets

Smit, M. N., Zamora, V., Young, M. G., Campbell, N., Uttaro, B. and Beltranena, E. 2015. Empiric narrowing of the net energy value of reduced-oil corn distillers’ dried grain with solubles for growing-finishing pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 225–241. This study attempted to empirically narrow down the net energy (NE) value of reduced-oil corn distillers’ dried grains and solubles (RO-cDDGS) by evaluating the response in pig growth performance, live backfat and loin depth, carcass traits, and primal pork cuts tissue composition to feeding diets formulated increasing the assumed NE value of RO-cDDGS, expecting a brisk change in slope of the response at the point at which the NE value of RO-cDDGS would be identified. In total, 1056 cross-bred pigs (31.7 kg) housed in 48 pens by gender were fed dietary regimens including 30% RO-cDDGS (6.7% ether extract) with assumed NE values of 1.7, 1.85, 2.0, 2.15, 2.3, or 2.45 Mcal kg−1over five growth periods (Grower 1: days 0–21, Grower 2: days 22–42, Grower 3: days 43–63, Finisher 1: days 64–76, Finisher 2: day 77 to market weight). Pig body weights were measured and feed disappearance (ADFI) was calculated by pen on days 0, 21, 42, 63, 76 and weekly thereafter until target slaughter weight (120 kg). For the entire trial (days 0–76), increasing the assumed NE value of RO-cDDGS linearly increased (P<0.01) ADFI and total lysine intake, did not affect NE intake and daily weight gain (ADG), quadratically decreased (P<0.05) feed efficiency, linearly decreased (P<0.05) live backfat depth and backfat:loin depth ratio, and did not affect carcass characteristics or pork primal cut tissue composition. Segmented regression only identified a change in slope for carcass ADG and lean ADG at 1.85 Mcal kg−1. These results indicate that the experimental approach taken was not reliable in narrowing down the NE value of RO-cDDGS because the decrease in dietary NE was too small (0.03 Mcal kg−1d), which limited the change in dietary Lys:NE ratio with increasing assumed NE value of RO-cDDGS. The approach resulted in progressive, but small changes in slope rather than a clearly identifiable point where one could conclude that the incremental dietary energy contribution from RO-cDDGS changed the response in a given variable.

scholarly journals Response of growing rabbits to graded levels of fermented and unfermented pineapple peel

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-98
Author(s):  
O.A. Adeyemi ◽  
A.O. Ajado ◽  
A.O. Okubanjo ◽  
O.O. Eniolorunda
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Trial Period ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Pineapple Peel ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Retail Cuts

Forty growing rabbits were allocated equally to five groups in a 2 x 3 factorial layout and caged individually for a 56-day trial period in hutches. They were used to compare the effects of two processing methods (unfermented and fermented) and three dietary replacement levels of Pineapple peel meal (PPM) at 0%, 12.5% and 25% of maize on weight for weight basis. Parameters evaluated during the trial period included: growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost. Results show that average daily weight gain (ADG) reduced (P<0.05) as dietary inclusion level of PPM increased, although rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level compared favourably (P>0.05) with those fed the control diet (0%). However, ADG of rabbits fed fermented PPM was statistically higher (P<0.05) than that recorded for rabbits fed unfermented PPM. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in daily feed intake of rabbits as a result of dietary inclusion level or processing type of PPM. Better (P<0.05) feed efficiency was recorded in rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level than those fed at 25%. Fermentation enhanced the nutritional value of feedstuff and also improved feed efficiency. Total feed cost reduced (P<0.05) by 21.39% when PPM was included in the diet at 25%. However, production result was not comparable with the control. But feeding fermented PPM at 12.5% inclusion level resulted in the best (P<0.05) economy of production. Processing type or dietary inclusion level of PPM had no significant (P>0.05) effect on dressing-out percentage of experimental animals. There were neither significant (P>0.05) effects of processing type nor dietary inclusion level on retail cuts of the rabbits fed the different experimental diets. In all feeding rabbits with diets containing fermented PPM up to 12.5% replacement level for maize optimum performance.

The Litter and Wire System of Housing for Laying Hens

1993 ◽  
Vol 1993 ◽  
pp. 228-228
Author(s):  
D M Alvey ◽  
S A Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
Floor Area ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Wood Shavings ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
The Wire ◽  
Wire System ◽  
Feeder Space

The litter and wire system of housing for laying hens is a compromise between an all litter system (maximum stocking density 7 birds/m2) and the perchery system (maximum stocking density 25 birds/m2).The wire areas are usually constructed over a droppings pit.The current EC Egg Marketing Regulations allow a proportion of the wire area to be Included as perching area and this permits the stocking density to be increased to 11.7 birds/m2, as long as a minimum of 53% of the floor area is wire.In 2 studies at Gleadthorpe between 1990-92 the laying performance, behaviour and welfare of laying hens in a litter and wire system were evaluated. The pen, with a floor area of 10.0m x 7.67m contained 3 areas of wood shavings litter. The litter areas were separated longitudinally by two, 250 mm high, raised platforms of wire mesh built over a droppings pit. The wire mesh covered 57% of the floor area. Chain feeder and nipple drinker lines were positioned over the wire area. Each bird had 95 mm of feeder space and nipple drinkers were provided at a ratio of 1 per 6 birds.Two tiers of “Astroturf” lined, rear roll-away nestboxes were provided, one per 5.9 birds along each of the longest sides of the unit. During the first month of lay, nest boxes were “managed” to discourage overnight roosting.

Effects of group size and feeder space allowance on welfare in finishing pigs

1999 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. M. Spoolder ◽  
S. A. Edwards ◽  
S. Corning
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Mitigating Factor ◽  
Feeder Spaces ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Feeder Space

AbstractCompared with small groups, housing in large groups offers the pig more total available space, resulting potentially in an increased degree of control over its (micro) environment. For the producer, large groups require fewer pen divisions and offer more possibilities for the sharing of resources such as feeders and drinkers. However, whilst large groups may offer benefits to higher ranking animals in the group, there may be serious disadvantages for those further down the social hierarchy, who also need to compete for access to resources. This study investigated the interactive effects on welfare of food availability (one single space hopper per 20 or per 10 pigs) and group size (20, 40 or 80 pigs per pen), at constant stocking density (0·55 m2per pig) in part-slatted pens. Groups provided with two feeding spaces per 20 pigs were less active than groups with one feeding space per 20 pigs. The number of aggressive interactions per pig at the food trough was not affected by group size but decreased with number of feeder spaces per 20 pigs. The number of skin lesions increased with group size. Average daily gain in the first half of the finishing period was negatively influenced by group size and positively by number of feeding spaces. No effect on weight gain was found subsequently. Within-group variation in growth was not affected by group size or number of feeder spaces. No differences between treatments were found in the number of pigs removed for health reasons. Interactive effects of the two treatments were found on some behaviours but not on any of the performance variables measured. It is concluded that, from a welfare point of view, the number of pigs per feeder space should be lower than 20, although performance levels appear acceptable at 20 pigs per feeder. Further research will have to identify whether the effects of group size on general aggression is common to all finishing pig systems, or whether the presence of straw can serve as a mitigating factor.

scholarly journals Increasing hybrid rye level substituting wheat grain with or without enzyme on growth performance and carcass traits of growing-finishing barrows and gilts

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1561-1574
Author(s):  
Miranda N Smit ◽  
Xun Zhou ◽  
José L Landero ◽  
Malachy G Young ◽  
Eduardo Beltranena
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Wheat Grain ◽  
Nutritional Factors ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Hybrid Rye ◽  
D 23

Abstract: New European, fall-planted hybrid rye grown in western Canada is more resistant to ergot and fusarium and has lower content of anti-nutritional factors than common rye. We evaluated the effect of feeding increasing hybrid rye level substituting wheat grain and non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzyme inclusion in diets fed to growing-finishing pigs raised under western Canadian commercial conditions. In total, 1,008 pigs (~44 kg body weight [BW]) housed in 48 pens by sex, 21 pigs per pen, were fed diets with one of three rye (var. KWS Bono; KWS LOCHOW GMBH) inclusion levels substituting wheat grain: low (L; one-third of wheat replaced), medium (M; two-thirds of wheat replaced), or high (H; most wheat replaced), either without (WO) or with (W) enzyme inclusion (280 units of β-glucanase and 900 units of xylanase per kilogram feed; Endofeed W DC; GNC Bioferm) over four growth phases (Grower 2: d 0 to 22, Grower 3: d 23 to 42, Finisher 1: d 43 to 63, Finisher 2: d 64 to slaughter). Pen BW, feed added, and orts were measured on d 0, 22, 42, 63, 76, 91, and at slaughter weight (130 kg). Warm carcasses were weighed and graded (Destron). BW was not affected by either increasing hybrid rye level substituting wheat grain or enzyme inclusion throughout the trial. For the entire trial (d 0 to 76), pigs fed increasing hybrid rye level substituting wheat grain had decreased (P &lt; 0.050) average daily feed intake (ADFI; L 3.05, M 2.98, H 2.91 kg/d) and average daily weight gain (ADG; L 1.01, M 1.00, H 0.97 kg/d). Enzyme inclusion did not affect ADFI but tended (P = 0.080) to increase ADG (WO 0.98, W 1.00 kg/d). Enzyme inclusion improved (P &lt; 0.050) gain-to-feed ratio only in pigs fed the H rye level. Most carcass traits were not affected by either increasing hybrid rye level substituting wheat grain or enzyme inclusion. Increasing dietary hybrid rye level substituting wheat grain increased (P &lt; 0.001) cost per tonne of feed (L 240.28, M 241.28, H 242.20 Can$/kg), but did not affect feed cost per pig or per kilogram BW gain. Enzyme inclusion increased (P &lt; 0.001) cost per tonne of feed (WO 240.36, W 242.15 Can$/kg), but feed cost per pig (WO 82.14, W 80.44 Can$ per pig) and per kilogram BW gain (WO 0.96, W 0.94 Can$/kg gain) were reduced (P &lt; 0.050). In conclusion, fall-planted hybrid rye can completely replace wheat grain in grower-finisher pig diets without affecting feed efficiency, feed cost per pig or feed cost per kilogram BW gain. Inclusion of NSP enzyme would be recommended for diets including high rye levels to improve feed efficiency and ADG.

scholarly journals Performance of starter broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with Smartchoice phytase enzyme

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-203
Author(s):  
O. A. Ekine ◽  
D. N. Onunkwo
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Total Weight Gain ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Phytase is essential for enhancing nutritional value of feed and improving animal growthperformance and health. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of Smartchoicephytase enzyme supplementation in the diet of starter broiler chickens. A total of 150 Rossstrain broiler chicks were used for the study and allotted to five treatment groups of 30 birdseach. Each group was further divided into three replicates of 10 birds per replicate. Five isonitrogenous(21.40% CP) and iso-caloric (2975.40 kcal/kg ME) dietary treatments werecompounded to contain 0g/100kg (T ), 10g/100kg (T ), 15g/100kg (T ), 20g/100kg (T ) and 1 2 3 425g/100kg (T ) of a commercial Smartchoice phytase enzyme preparation for 28 days in a 5Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were provided to the chicks adlibitum.Daily feed intake and weekly body weight were measured. The result showed that thedaily feed intake and daily protein intake were not affected (P>0.05) by Smartchoice phytaseenzyme supplementation. Final live weight, daily weight gain and total weight gain weresignificantly different among treatments. Protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05)higher in T (2.10) than T (1.80) but similar to T (2.05), T (2.05) and T (1.96). Feed 1 5 2 3 4conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) different in T5 (2.58) and T (2.02) but similar 1(P>0.05) in T (2.02), T (2.28), T (2.31) and T (2.38). Mortality was lowest in T5. Total feed 1 2 3 4cost per bird and daily feed cost per bird were not affected (P>0.05) by Smartchoice phytaseenzyme supplementation while cost per kg of feed and daily feed cost per bird were notsignificantly (P>0.05) affected. The findings from this study showed that Smartchoicephytase enzyme could be supplemented up to 20g per 100kg in the diet of starter broilerchickens.

scholarly journals 355 Effect of shelf setting of a wet/dry feeder on growth performance of finishing pigs

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 147-147
Author(s):  
Julia P Holen ◽  
Molly R Renken ◽  
Tim A Kerkaert ◽  
Mike J Boerboom ◽  
Lee J Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Trial Data ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Caliper Measurement ◽  
Feeder Space

Abstract Recent advancements in wet/dry shelf feeders have caused them to become more popular in swine finishing barns. Pigs consume feed faster from wet/dry feeders compared with dry feeders, so manufacturers recommend higher stocking density than dry feeders. However, there are little data published indicating optimal feeder shelf settings for wet/dry feeders. The objective of this study was to evaluate two shelf settings for wet/dry feeders in a commercial setting. Pigs (n = 1200) were blocked by initial BW and pens were assigned within block to one of two shelf settings: 60% or 85% open. Openings for each feeder were determined by caliper measurement. Each pen (n = 20/treatment) was stocked with 30 pigs, providing 2.54 cm of linear feeder space (15 pigs per 38.1 cm feeder hole) and 0.637 m2 of floor space per pig. Mash feed (primarily corn-soybean meal-DDGS) delivery was recorded daily using Big Dutchmen Feed Exact Pro, and pigs were weighed biweekly throughout the 84 d trial. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with pen considered the experimental unit. Initial pig BW was similar (17.5 vs 17.4 kg; SE=0.1) for 85% and 60% treatments, respectively. Feeder shelves that were 85% open allowed pigs to have greater (P < 0.01) ADG (1.06 vs. 1.02 kg/d; SE=0.01), ADFI (2.63 vs. 2.48; SE=0.01) and were heavier at d 84 (107.1 vs 103.3 kg; SE=0.4) compared with feeder shelf openings of 60%. However, feeders that were 60% open supported better G:F (0.412 vs 0.404; P < 0.01; SE=0.001) compared with the 85% openings, respectively. No behavioral vices were observed in this study. These data suggest shelf settings for wet/dry feeders that are 85% open support faster but less efficient growth than shelf settings of 60%.

scholarly journals Chromium and selenium-enriched yeast for castrated finishing pigs: effects on performance and carcass characteristics

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 3851 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Garcia Caramori Júnior ◽  
Charles Kiefer ◽  
Eduardo Viana Ferreira ◽  
Bruno Serpa Vieira ◽  
Henrique Carvalho Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi Muscle ◽  
Dorsi Muscle

To evaluate the effect of organic chromium (Cr) and selenium (Se) supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs, 300 castrated males were distributed in a randomized block design with three treatments and five replications of 20 pigs each. Treatments consisted of different diets, formulated to reach or exceed Rostagno et al. (2011) nutritional requirements, as follows: 1) control - basal diet without organic Cr and Se supplementation from 70 to 130 kg of body weight; 2) CrSe70 - basal diet supplemented with 0.8 mg kg-1 of Cr- and 0.6 mg kg-1 of Se-enriched yeast from 70 to 130 kg of body weight; 3) CrSe100 - basal diet without organic Cr and Se supplementation from 70 to 100 kg of body weight followed by basal diet supplemented with 0.8 mg kg-1 of Cr- and 0.6 mg kg-1 of Se-enriched yeast from 100 to 130 kg of body weight. Performance was evaluated by measuring body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. At the end of experimental period, pigs were sacrificed and lean meat percentage, longissimus dorsi muscle depth, back fat thickness, and carcass bonus index were determined using prediction equations generated by the software Hennessy System GP4 after carcass scanning with an electronic probe. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and in case of significant differences (P ? 0.05), means were compared by SNK multiple-range test. Daily feed intake (P = 0.008) and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.004) decreased for pigs supplemented with Cr- and Se-enriched yeast from 70 to 100 kg of body weight. Otherwise, pigs supplemented between 100 and 130 kg of body weight increased (P = 0.032) daily feed intake in comparison to the control group. Regarding carcass characteristics, Cr- and Se-enriched yeast supplementation increased (P = 0.019) longissimus dorsi muscle depth in both CrSe70 and CrSe100 treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Cr- and Se-enriched yeast for castrated male pigs between 70 and 130 kg of body weight increases longissimus dorsi muscle depth in carcass without affecting final body weight or daily weight gain of the animals.

Feeder space requirement of growing pigs housed at different group sizes

2000 ◽  
Vol 2000 ◽  
pp. 7-7
Author(s):  
S. P. Turner ◽  
D. S. Arey ◽  
S. A. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Space Requirement ◽  
Resource Requirements ◽  
Space Requirements ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Gain Access ◽  
Feeder Space

The resource requirements, such as feeding space, of pigs housed in large groups are poorly understood. The feed intake requirement may be unaffected by group size, but the ability to gain access to the feeders may be influenced by the changed social environment. The observation of pigs feeding may stimulate others to feed also. In large groups, the number of pigs attempting to feed simultaneously could lead to increased competition for access to the feeders (Spoolder et al., 1999). Consequently, the suitability of two feeder space requirements, derived from UK recommendations, for pigs housed at different groups sizes was investigated.

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