Effects of Floor Space Allowance and Number per Group on Performance of Growing-Finishing Swine

Abstract

Four experiments involving 600 growing-finishing swine were conducted to evaluate the effects of floor space allowance and number per pen upon level of performance in different confinement housing units. Responses of the animals to space allowances were similar in units having either partially-slotted or completely-slotted concrete floors. Numbers of pigs per group affected performance similarly in solid, partially- and completely-slotted, concrete-floored pens of different dimensions. During the warm season 8- and 12-pig groups gained significantly faster than 16-pig groups, while in the cool season the differences were not significant. Groups of 4, 6 and 8 finishing pigs gained similarly in enclosed buildings, whereas in an open-front building the 8-pig groups gained more slowly than the 4- and 6-pig groups.