Transactions of the ASAE · 1990 · 36 citations · 0 references
AgricultureAnimal SciencesPoultry ScienceAnimal NutritionLivestock ProductionSwine ScienceFeed EfficiencyGrowth PerformanceLivestock NutritionSwine GrowthSwine NutritionSwine ProductionFeed Consumption RateFeed Intake EffectsFeed Intake MeasurementReduced Feed IntakeSwine Feed EfficiencySwine Nutrition ManagementThermoregulatory Effects On Feed Intake
ABSTRACT Average eating rate of crossbred gilts (28 to 103 kg) ranged from 1.25 to 0.74 gm/min/kgO'75 ^^j decreased with age (7 to 23 wk). It also decreased when environmental temperature was low (16 C below the control). Approximately 75% of eating activity and feed consumption occurred in daytime hours (0700-1900). Eating activity was greatest from 0701 to 0900 and 1301 to 1600 hours. There was no apparent change in the daily eating pattem with age. Temperatures 8 and 16 C below control treatment temperature, respectively, caused 8.6% and 18.9% reduction in gain and 14.8% and 29.6% increase in feed intake. Average heat production decreased at a rate of 7.13 kcal/day/C/kg^-^^ as temperature increased.