Effects of floor area allowance and group size on the productivity of growing/finishing pigs

摘要: Six group sizes and three levels of floor area allowance were studied in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement. Group 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15 pigs per pen. Floor allowances .030, .039, .048 m2 BW(.667). All pens square equipped with single space feeder nipple drinker near one corner. Pigs fed pelleted diet. Initial weights averaged 25.0 kg, remained on test for 12 wk. weighed, feed intake was determined, size increased at 2-wk intervals. Pen adjusted to provide the required midpoint each weigh period. Two replicates study conducted. The ADG reduced increasing (899, 851, 868, 872, 857, 821 g, SEM = 16.4, pigs, respectively; P < .05), but CV gain (mean .185) did not differ among sizes. ADFI also decreased (2.49, 2.34, 2.32, 2.28, 2.21 .036, .05). Feed efficiency (gain/intake) highest 7 10 (.381) lowest five (.363; (832 g 2.25 respectively) most crowded compared more spacious (ADG 875 877 2.35 2.36 .039 BW(.667), Efficiency allowances. These results confirm previous studies reporting negative effect productivity, our suggests that reach plateau less than previously reported.