Effect of removal and remixing of lightweight pigs on performance to slaughter weights

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of lightweight pig removal and remixing on performance to slaughter. Experiment 1 was a growing-finishing trial utilizing a total of 900 pigs (26.2+/-0.1 kg initial weight) that were sorted and remixed at a mean replicate BW of 72 kg. Experiment 2 was a wean-to-finish trial (17 d mean wean age; 4.8 kg +/- 0.1 BW) utilizing 225 barrows with sorting and remixing occurring 3 wk after weaning. Treatments were 15 pigs/ pen from initial weight to slaughter (15S), 20 pigs/pen from initial weight to time of sort and remix and then reduced to 15 pigs/pen (20/15), and 15 pigs/pen from time of sort and remix to slaughter comprised of the five lightest pigs from each of three 20/15 pens per replicate (15M). Space allocation was 0.56 m2/pig from 26 to 70 kg and 0.74 m2/pig thereafter in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, pen size was fixed at 2.44 x 4.27 m. In Exp. 1, there was no effect (P > 0.20) of treatment on performance prior to 70 kg. Least squares means for ADG from time of sort and remix to first pig removal from a pen for slaughter at 113 kg were 0.93, 0.87, and 0.91 kg/d for the 20/15, 15M, and 15S treatments, respectively (P < 0.05). When comparing the population represented by the 20/15 + 15M treatments vs the 15S population, there was no difference (P > 0.20) in ADG, ADFI, feed conversion, or carcass lean content. In Exp. 2, pigs in the 20/15 treatment grew slower (P < 0.05) than 15S pigs for the first 21 d (0.20 vs 0.22 kg/d, respectively) with a lower ADFI (P = 0.06) and no difference in feed conversion. When comparing the population represented by the 20/15 + 15M treatments vs the 15S population after sorting and remixing, there was no effect (P > 0.15) of experimental treatments on ADG, ADFI, feed conversion efficiency, carcass lean content, or daily lean gain. These results suggest that removal of lightweight pigs and remixing of the removed pigs into pens of similar-weight pigs is ineffective in improving the overall performance of a population of pigs during the postweaning period.     

Effects of betaine, pen space, and slaughter handling method on growth performance, carcass traits, and pork quality of finishing barrows

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of betaine, pen space, and preslaughter handling method on growth, carcass traits, and pork quality of finishing barrows. For the growth trial, a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used: betaine (0 or 0.250%) and(or) pen space (m2/pig; adequate, 0.035 BW0.67 kg, or inadequate, 0.025 BW0.67 kg). Each treatment was replicated five times with four barrows per replicate. At trial termination, two barrows from each pen were selected to receive either minimal or normal preslaughter handling. Reducing pen space decreased (P < 0.05) overall ADG and gain:feed and tended (P = 0.12) to decrease overall ADFI. Betaine had no affect (P > 0.10) on overall ADG, ADFI, or gain:feed. Pigs fed betaine had decreased (P < 0.10) carcass length. Other carcass and ham measurements were not affected (P > 0.10) by betaine. Pigs with inadequate pen space had increased (P < 0.10) ultimate pH, subjective color, cooking loss (fresh and frozen chop), and shear force but decreased rectal temperature, loin muscle CIE L*, biceps femoris CIE b*, and drip loss. Pigs subjected to minimal preslaughter handling had decreased (P < 0.10) rectal temperature, plasma cortisol, loin muscle CIE b*, and fresh chop total loss (drip + cooking loss). Pigs fed betaine had increased (P < 0.01) initial pH and decreased (P < 0.10) drip loss (fresh chop). Cooking loss and total loss (frozen chop) were decreased in pigs fed betaine with adequate pen space but increased in pigs fed betaine with inadequate pen space (betaine x pen space, P < 0.01). Pigs fed betaine may have improved pork quality.     

Effect of group size on pig performance in a wean-to-finish production system

Crossbred pigs (n = 1,400) were used to evaluate the effect of group size (25 vs 50 vs 100 pigs/pen) in a wean-to-finish production system on growth performance and carcass measures. Pigs were weaned at 17 d (range = 15 to 19) of age with a mean initial BW of 5.9 +/- 0.02 kg and taken to a final mean pen weight of 116 +/- 0.9 kg. A 10-phase dietary regimen was used, and pigs had free access to feed and water. Feeder-trough space (4.3 cm/pig) and floor-area allowance (0.68 m2/pig) were the same for all group sizes. Compared to groups of 25, pigs in groups of 50 and 100 animals were lighter (P < 0.001) at the end of wk 8 after weaning and had lower (3%, P < 0.01) ADG and gain:feed (G/F) but similar (P > 0.05) ADFI during the first 8 wk of the study. At the end of the study, pig weight and the coefficient of variation in pig weight within a pen were similar (P > 0.05) across group sizes. During the period from 8 wk after weaning to the end of the study, pigs in groups of 100 compared to 50 animals had greater (3%, P < 0.01) ADG, and pigs in groups of 25 were intermediate for ADG. Average daily feed intake during this period was similar (P > 0.05) for all group sizes; however, G/F was greater (3%, P < 0.01) for groups of 100 compared to 25 or 50 animals. For the overall study period, ADG, ADFI, and G/F from weaning to slaughter weight were similar across group sizes (P > 0.05; 655, 648, and 658 g; 1,759, 1,755, and 1,759 g; and 0.37, 0.37, and 0.37; for ADG, ADFI, and G/F, respectively, for groups of 25, 50, and 100 pigs, respectively). Mortality was similar (P > 0.05) across group sizes; however, morbidity (pigs removed due to poor health or injury) was higher in groups of 25 pigs compared to the other two group sizes (7.0, 3.5, and 3.9% for groups of 25, 50, and 100, respectively; P < 0.05). Group-size treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) carcass dressing percentage, backfat thickness, or loin-eye depth. In summary, growth performance from weaning to market weight was not affected by group size.     

Effects of feeding Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium or serovar Choleraesuis on growth performance and circulating insulin-like growth factor-I, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta in weaned pigs

The most common Salmonella serovars causing clinical disease in pigs are Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium (Typhimurium) and Choleraesuis. Given that the swine host-adapted serovar Choleraesuis has been reported to cause systemic disease, a different disease outcome from that of Typhimurium, our working hypothesis was that this serovar would likely engage systemic immune-inflammatory mechanisms, resulting in elevated systemic cytokine secretion. Forty-eight weaned pigs were blocked by BW and sex, and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatments in a 14-d study. Each treatment had 8 replicates (pens), with 2 pigs/pen. The treatments consisted of a negative control and pigs repeatedly fed 10(8) cfu of Typhimurium or Choleraesuis. On d 0, the pigs were fed Choleraesuis or Typhimurium in dough balls, and the bacteria were refed twice weekly throughout the experiment. Control pigs received dough balls without bacteria. All pigs were housed in temperature-controlled rooms under constant lighting and were fed a standard corn-soybean meal-based nursery diet. Pig BW and feed disappearance were used to determine ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Rectal temperatures were obtained daily from 1 pig/pen beginning 2 d before the first bacterial feeding through d 7 using rapid-response digital thermometers. Serum was collected on d 0, 7, and 14 from a single pig/pen for analysis of IGF-I, tumor necrosis factor-alpha , and IL-1beta. There was no change in the rectal temperature of the control or the Typhimurium-challenged pigs (compared with d 0) or when comparing Typhimurium-challenged pigs with control animals. In contrast, pigs fed Choleraesuis had increased rectal temperatures beginning on d 2 and continuing through d 7 (P < 0.05), with the greatest elevation on d 3 (P < 0.001) compared with the control pigs. Average daily gain and ADFI of pigs challenged with Typhimurium did not differ from those of the control animals. Pigs fed Choleraesuis had a 25% reduction in ADG (P < 0.0001) and ADFI (P < 0.002) compared with the control pigs. On d 7, pigs fed Choleraesuis had reduced serum IGF-I compared with control (P < 0.01) or Typhimurium-challenged pigs (P = 0.01). Bacterial feeding did not affect serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha or IL-1beta compared with control pigs at any time throughout the experiment. We conclude that repeated exposure of weaned pigs to Choleraesuis reduced growth performance in the absence of changes in systemic inflammatory cytokines.     

Effect of wean-to-finish management on pig performance

In each of three trials, 240 crossbred barrows weaned at 17 d of age (5.1 kg BW) were assigned to one of three experimental treatments based on light and heavy weight outcome groups. Experimental treatments were 1) wean-to-finish at 0.69 m2/pig and 15 pigs/pen; 2) wean-to-finish double-stocked at 0.35 m2/pig, 30 pigs per pen for 8 wk and then randomly split into two pens (either stayed in same pen or moved to new pen) for growth to slaughter at 0.69 m2/pig; and 3) nursery facility for 8 wk at 0.35 m2/pig and 15 pigs/pen followed by move to the same grow-finish facility housing wean-to-finish and double-stocked pigs and maintaining pen integrity. Beginning at 38 kg BW, diets were supplemented with either bacitracin methylenedisalicylate at 33 mg/kg to slaughter or tylosin at 44 mg/kg to 59 kg BW and 22 mg/kg thereafter. There were no trial x treatment interactions, even though there was considerable variation in health status among trials. At the end of the 56-d nursery period, wean-to-finish pigs weighed more than nursery (28.7 vs 27.7 kg; P = 0.071) and double-stocked pigs (28.7 vs 26.9 kg; P = 0.002), due to greater ADG (wean-to-finish vs nursery; P = 0.062; wean-to-finish vs double-stocked; P = 0.002) and greater ADFI (wean-to-finish vs nursery; P = 0.024; wean-to-finish vs double-stocked, P = 0.002). There was no effect of treatments (P > 0.1) on ADG, feed conversion, carcass lean percentage, or lean gain during the growing-finishing period. There was also no effect of treatment (P > 0.1) on ADG or ADFI from weaning to slaughter. There was no difference (P > 0.1) between bacitracin methylenedisalicylate and tylosin for ADG, feed conversion, carcass lean percentage, or daily lean gain. These data suggest that housing 5-kg weaned pigs in fully slatted growing-finishing facilities from weaning to slaughter was not detrimental to overall performance. In this experiment, dietary additions of bacitracin methylenedisalicylate or tylosin from 38 kg BW to slaughter weight resulted in similar growth performance.     

Response of barrows to space allocation and ractopamine

An experiment using 264 crossbred barrows was conducted to examine the interaction between space allocation and dietary ractopamine addition on pig performance and carcass characteristics using a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were 0.55 (19 pigs per pen) or 0.74 (14 pigs per pen) m2/pig from start (29.7 +/- 0.1 kg BW) to slaughter (108 kg BW) in a fully slatted facility and 0 or 10 ppm (as-fed basis) ractopamine for 28 d before slaughter. There were few treatment interactions. Pigs given 0.55 m2/pig had a lower ADG (P = 0.010), ADFI (P = 0.088), 10th-rib backfat depth on d 86 (P = 0.010), and carcass loin muscle depth (P = 0.011) than pigs given 0.74 m2/pig. There was no difference in feed conversion (P = 0.210) as a result of space allocation. Pigs fed diets containing 10 ppm ractopamine had decreased (P = 0.004) ADFI and improved (P = 0.001) feed conversion efficiencies for the 28-d feeding period, along with greater loin depth (P = 0.005) and carcass lean percent (P = 0.001). The improvements in 28-d carcass lean growth associated with feeding 10 ppm ractopamine resulted in an improvement in overall daily fat-free lean gain (P = 0.046). Under these experimental conditions, the response to dietary ractopamine was similar for crowded and uncrowded pigs.     

Effects of feeder-trough space and variation in body weight within a pen of pigs on performance in a wean-to-finish production system

Two studies were carried out with the same group of pigs within a wean-to-finish system. In Study 1 (weaning to wk 8 postweaning), the effect of feeder-trough space in pens that were double-stocked on pig growth was evaluated. In Study 2 (end of wk 8 to 112 +/- 1.5 kg BW), the effect of variation in pig BW within a pen on growth was investigated. In Study 1, a randomized block design was used to compare two feeder-trough space treatments (Double [4 cm/pig] vs Control [2 cm/pig]). Pigs (n = 1,728) were randomly allocated at weaning (5.4 +/- 0.01 kg BW; 16 d of age) to mixed-sex pens (8 pens/treatment) of 108 pigs/pen on the basis of BW. Floor-space (0.30 m2/pig) and drinker allocation (13 pigs/drinker) were the same for both treatments. Two six-place (35 cm/place) feeders were positioned together in the center of each pen and were accessible from both sides. For the Double treatment, both feeders contained feed, whereas for the Control only one feeder contained feed. In Study 2, a randomized block design was used to compare three BW/variation in BW treatments: 1) Heavy BW/Low variation, 2) Light BW/Low variation, and 3) Mixed BW/Normal variation. The double-stocked pens of pigs from within previous feeder-trough space treatment were split into two groups of 54 pigs (equal sex ratio) having either high or low BW variation within pen. Pigs had free access to feed and water throughout the studies. In Study 1, doubling feeder-trough space did not affect (P > 0.05) pig growth from weaning to the end of wk 6. From wk 6 to 8, pigs on the Double treatment compared to the Control treatment had higher (P < 0.05) ADG and were heavier (P < 0.05), but had similar (P > 0.05) ADFI and gain:feed ratio. In Study 2, pen-BW treatment did not impact (P > 0.05) ADG or gain:feed ratio; however, Heavy/Low had greater (P < 0.01) ADFI than Light/Low with Mixed/Normal being intermediate for ADFI. At 112 kg BW, CV of BW within a pen was similar (P > 0.05) across treatments; however, days to market BW was greater (P < 0.001) for Light/Low than Heavy/ Low with Mixed/Normal being intermediate. In summary, increasing feeder-trough space from 2 to 4 cm per pig increased daily gain after wk 6 postweaning in double-stocked pens of pigs; however, sorting pigs on the basis of BW when splitting pens did not impact growth rate or variation in BW within a pen at market BW.     

Utilization of spray-dried blood cells and crystalline isoleucine in nursery pig diets

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate spray-dried blood cells (SDBC) and crystalline isoleucine in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, 120 pigs were used to evaluate 0, 2, 4, and 6% SDBC (as-fed basis) in a sorghum-based diet. There were six replicates of each treatment and five pigs per pen, with treatments imposed at an initial BW of 9.3 kg and continued for 16 d. Increasing SDBC from 0 to 4% had no effect on ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Pigs fed the 6% SDBC diet had decreased ADG (P < 0.01) and G:F (P = 0.06) compared with pigs fed diets containing 0, 2, or 4% SDBC. In Exp. 2, 936 pigs were used to test diets containing 2.5 or 5% SDBC (as-fed basis) vs. two control diets. There were six replicates of each treatment at industry (20 pigs per pen) and university (six pigs per pen) locations. Treatments were imposed at an initial BW of 5.9 and 8.1 kg at the industry and the university locations, respectively, and continued for 16 d. Little effect on pig performance was noted by supplementing 2.5% SDBC, with or without crystalline Ile, in nursery diets. Pigs fed the 5% SDBC diet without crystalline Ile had decreased ADG (P < 0.01), ADFI (P < or = 0.10), and G:F (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the control diets. Supplementation of Ile restored ADG, ADFI, and G:F to levels that were not different from that of pigs fed the control diets. In Exp. 3, 1,050 pigs were used to test diets containing 5, 7.5, or 9% SDBC (as-fed basis) vs. a control diet. There were six replicates of each treatment at the industry (20 pigs per pen) location and five replicates at the university (six pigs per pen) locations. Treatments were imposed at an initial BW of 6.3 and 7.0 kg at the industry and university locations, respectively, and continued for 16 d. Supplementation of 5% SDBC without crystalline Ile decreased ADG and G:F (P < 0.01) compared with pigs fed the control diet, but addition of Ile increased ADG (P < 0.01) to a level not different from that of pigs fed the control diet. The decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F noted in pigs fed the 7.5% SDBC diet was improved by addition of Ile (P < 0.01), such that ADG and ADFI did not differ from those of pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing 9.5% SDBC exhibited decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P < 0.01), all of which were improved by Ile addition (P < 0.01); however, ADG (P < 0.05) and G:F (P = 0.09) remained lower than for pigs fed the control diet. These data indicate that SDBC can be supplemented at relatively high levels to nursery diets, provided that Ile requirements are met.     

Feeder location did not affect performance of weanling pigs in large groups

Crossbred pigs weaned at 17 d of age (n = 1,760; mean initial BW = 5.6 +/- 0.7 kg) were used in two 4-wk trials (four replicates per trial) to evaluate the effects of three pen designs on pig performance. The designs were 1) large group size (100 pigs/pen) with five two-sided feeders in a single, central location in the pen; 2) large group size (100 pigs/pen) with five two-sided feeders in multiple (five) locations in the pen; and 3) small group size (20 pigs/pen) with a single two-sided feeder in a central location in the pen. Each feeder provided two 20.3-cm-wide feeding places on each side. Pigs had free access to feed and water. Feeder-trough space (4 cm/pig) and floor-area allowance (0.17 m2/pig) were the same for all treatments. Pigs in the large-group treatments were lighter (15.6 and 15.6 vs 16.0 kg; P < 0.01) at the end of wk 4 and had lower ADG (358 and 357 vs 373 g; P < 0.01) and ADFI (510 and 521 vs 544 g; P < 0.01) during wk 2 through 4 than pigs in small groups. Gain:feed ratio was similar (P > 0.05) for all treatment groups throughout the study. For large groups, feed disappearance from each of the five feeders was similar (P > 0.05) for both multiple- and single-location treatments. In summary, large group size reduced pig growth performance, but the approach to providing multiple feeding locations that was employed in this experiment did not increase feed intake or growth performance of pigs in the large groups.     

Effect of split marketing on the welfare, performance, and carcass traits of finishing pigs

The aim of this study was to compare a split marketing (SM) strategy, in which the heaviest pigs in a group are removed and slaughtered earlier than the others, with an all-out (AO) marketing strategy, in which all pigs are removed from the pen simultaneously and slaughtered on the same day, in terms of welfare, performance, and carcass traits of noncastrated (i.e., intact) male and female pigs. The experimental treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial array with 1) marketing strategy (SM vs. AO) and 2) sex (males vs. females), which yielded 4 treatment groups of 14 pigs (73.1 ± 4.8 kg): male SM, male AO, female SM, and female AO (7 replicates/group). Pigs in AO groups were all slaughtered after 6 wk on trial, whereas in SM groups the 3 heaviest pigs were removed and slaughtered 2 wk before the remainder of the group, which were slaughtered at the same time as the AO pigs. Pigs were fed a liquid diet from a long trough 3 times daily. Behavioral observations were conducted before and after SM, the day of SM, and 1 and 2 wk later. Behavior was recorded both during and between feed events, and skin lesions were scored on all, except the 3 pigs removed from SM groups before and 2 wk after SM. Growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits were recorded. The number of aggressive interactions during feed events decreased after the 3 pigs were removed from SM groups. This reduction in aggressive interactions was observed on the day of SM in male groups (before SM: 24.3 vs. the day of SM: 14.7, SED = 3.31, P < 0.05 for interaction) and in subsequent observations in female groups (before SM: 21.4 vs. days after SM: 13.4, SED = 3.31, P < 0.05 for interaction). However, SM had no effect on behaviors recorded between feed events or on the number and severity of skin lesions (P > 0.10). There were no differences between the 11 remaining pigs in SM groups and the 14 pigs in AO groups in terms of growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits of female or intact male pigs (P > 0.10). However, reduced within-pen CV in carcass weight was detected in pigs from SM groups compared with pigs from AO groups (8.6 vs. 10.9, SEM = 0.72, P < 0.05). Therefore, in restrictively fed pigs, a SM strategy improved the welfare of both female and intact male pigs by reducing aggressive interactions during feeding but had no effect on performance or carcass traits.     

Effect of restricted postweaning growth resulting from reduced floor and feeder-trough space on pig growth performance to slaughter weight in a wean-to-finish production system

The effect of reduced pig growth rate postweaning as a result of restricted floor space and feeder trough space on subsequent growth to slaughter was investigated in a wean-to-finish system. Crossbred pigs (n = 1,728) were used in a randomized block design with a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) floor space (high [0.630 m2/pig] vs. low floor space [0.315 m2/pig]), 2) feeder trough space (unrestricted [4 cm/pig] vs. restricted feeder trough space [2 cm/pig]), and 3) period of imposing floor- and feeder-trough-space treatments (12 vs. 14 wk postweaning). Growth performance was measured from weaning (5.5 +/- 0.01 kg of BW; 17 d of age) to slaughter (the end of wk 25 postweaning). From the end of the treatment period to the end of wk 25, pigs on all treatments had the same floor and feeder trough space. Pigs with low floor space had lower (P < 0.01) ADG, ADFI, and gain:feed ratio than those with high floor space, and were therefore lighter (P < 0.05) at the end of the postweaning treatment period. Pigs given the restricted feeder trough space had lower (P < 0.05) ADFI, similar (P > 0.05) ADG, and higher (P < 0.01) gain:feed ratio than those with unrestricted feeder trough space during the treatment period. Pigs in the 14-wk treatment period had higher (P < 0.01) ADG and ADFI, but lower gain:feed than those in the 12-wk treatment during that period. In the subsequent period, from the end of treatment to wk 25, there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between floor space and treatment period; the difference in ADG and gain:feed for pigs on low vs. high floor space was greater for the 14-wk than the 12-wk treatment period. However, low-floor-space pigs tended (P = 0.06) to be lighter than high-floor-space pigs at the end of wk 25 postweaning. Neither feeder trough space nor treatment period affected pig growth performance during the period from the end of treatment to wk 25. Carcass backfat and longissimus depths at the end of wk 25 were not influenced (P > 0.05) by treatment. In summary, pigs with restricted growth due to low floor space until either 12 or 14 wk postweaning had increased growth and feed efficiency in the subsequent period to wk 25 postweaning, with only a slight effect on BW and no effect on carcass measures.     

Performance of finishing pigs in hoop structures and confinement during winter and summer

Performance of finishing pigs in hoop structures or confinement during winter and summer was evaluated in Iowa. Hoops are large, tent-like shelters with cornstalks or straw for bedding. During summer and winter seasons for 3 yr (1998 to 2001), six trials were conducted using three hoop barns (designed for 150 pigs per pen, one pen per hoop) or a mechanically ventilated confinement barn with slatted floors (designed for 22 pigs per pen, six pens in the barn). A total of 3,518 pigs started the trials. Summer trials were June through October, and winter trials were December through April. Target stocking density was 1.11 m2/pig in hoops and 0.74 m2/pig in confinement. Identical corn-based diets were fed ad libitum from 16 to 118 kg for 127 d. Pigs were scanned before harvest for backfat and loin muscle area. When seasons were merged (season x housing interaction, P > or = 0.05), hoop-fed pigs had more backfat (21.8 +/- 0.3 vs 20.8 +/- 0.2 mm; P < 0.001), smaller loin muscle area (41.3 +/- 0.3 vs 43.0 +/- 0.2 cm2; P < 0.001), less lean percentage (51.1 +/- 0.2 vs 52.1 +/- 0.1%; P < 0.001), and less yield (74.9 vs 75.8 +/- 0.1%; P < 0.001) than confinement-fed pigs. When season x housing type interactions were observed (P < 0.004), summer hoop-fed pigs had greater ADG (834 +/- 5 vs 802 +/- 3 g/d; P < 0.001), required fewer days to 113 kg (174.9 +/- 0.9 vs 178.5 +/- 0.6 d; P < 0.01), had similar ADFI (2.40 +/- 0.03 vs 2.35 +/- 0.02 kg/d, as-fed basis) and gain:feed (G:F; 348 +/- 4 vs 342 +/- 3 g/kg) compared with confinement-fed pigs. Lean gain/day and efficiency of lean gain did not differ between housing systems. During winter, hoop-fed pigs had similar ADG (794 +/- 5 vs 801 +/- 3 g/ d), required more days to 113 kg (176.7 +/- 0.9 vs 172.9 +/- 0.6 d; P < 0.01), had greater ADFI (2.54 +/- 0.03 vs 2.35 +/- 0.02; P < 0.001), less G:F (313 +/- 4 vs 341 +/- 3; P < 0.001), less lean gain/day (312 +/- 2 vs 322 +/- 1 g/d; P < 0.01), and less efficiency of lean gain (130 +/- 2 vs 144 +/- 1 g lean gain/kg feed; P < 0.01) than confinement-fed pigs. Percentage of mortalities and culls did not differ between housing systems. During summer, there was a trend for fewer light pigs at marketing (< 100 kg) from hoops (0.8 vs 1.7%; P = 0.10). During winter, there were more light pigs at marketing from hoops (3.9 vs 1.3%; P = 0.01) than from confinement. Bedding use in hoops was 92 and 122 kg/pig for summer and winter, respectively. Performance of finishing pigs in bedded hoop structures depends in part on thermal environment.     

Impact of spontaneous exercise on performance,meat quality,and muscle fiber characteristics of growing/finishing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine if increased space and exercise for finisher pigs (0.90 vs 9.45 m2/pig) affects performance, meat quality, or muscle fiber characteristics. Newsham barrows (n = 32, 4 pens/treatment) were placed in one of two space allocations: control space allowance (CONT) or in a long pen with increased space allowance (10x). Pigs were weighed every 28 d and feed intake/pen was calculated. Pigs were filmed for behavioral analysis on d 70 and 100 using video recorders to determine walking distances over a 24-h period. After a 5-h transport and 2-h rest period, pigs (approximately 115 kg) were slaughtered on the same day at a commercial facility. Muscle samples were obtained from the longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles within 1 h postmortem for muscle fiber typing. Backfat thickness and pH decline were measured on the left side of each carcass. After 24-h chilling, a boneless loin was collected from each pig and stored at 2 degrees C until analyzed. On d 14 postmortem, loins were cut at the 10th rib for color evaluations, and chops were cut for Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force and sensory analysis. Histochemical staining methods were used for the detection of type I, IIA, and IIB/X muscle fiber types. There were no significant differences (P > 0.10) in live weight, ADG, ADFI, or G:F ratio of the two experimental groups evaluated. Pigs finished in 10x pens walked a greater (P < 0.01) distance over a 24-h period than pigs finished in the CONT pens. Pigs finished in the lOx pens were fatter (P < 0.05) at the last lumbar vertebra than pigs finished in the CONT pens, but no significant differences were found in loineye area, loin color, marbling scores, WBS, sensory panel scores, retail display measures, or muscle fiber type percentages. Expanded space allowance to increase exercise resulted in no improvements in pig performance, pork loin measures, or muscle characteristics.     

Effects of double stocking and weighing frequency on pig performance in wean-to-finish production systems

Two studies were carried out in different wean-to-finish barns to determine the effects of double stocking on pig growth performance. In Study 1, pigs (n = 1,560) were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: initial stocking treatment (Single [52 pigs/pen] vs Double [104 pigs/pen] stocked for 10 wk after weaning) and weighing frequency (High [12 times during the study] vs Low [3 times]) on pig performance from weaning (5.9+/-0.01 kg BW; 17 d of age) to harvest (114+/-0.67 kg BW). Floor and feeder space per pig were 0.650 m2 and 4 cm and 0.325 m2 and 2 cm for the single- and double-stocked treatments, respectively. In Study 2, pigs (n = 1,458) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate two initial stocking treatments (Single [27 pigs] vs Double [54 pigs] stocked for 10 wk after weaning) on pig performance from weaning (4.8+/-0.01 kg BW; 15 d of age) to harvest (24 wk after weaning). Floor and feeder space per pig were 0.640 m2 and 3.4 cm and 0.320 m2 and 1.7 cm for single- and double-stocked pens, respectively. In both studies, double-stocked pigs were split at the end of wk 10 into two equal-sized groups of similar mean BW and CV of BW, and one group was moved to a different pen in the same building. In Study 1, performance was not affected (P > 0.10) by frequency of weighing. For the first 10 wk after weaning, the Double compared to the Single treatment had lower ADG (7.7 and 7.9%, for Studies 1 and 2, respectively; P < 0.001) and lighter pigs at wk 10 (6.8 and 7.3%, respectively; P < 0.001). During the first 10 wk in Study 1, Double compared to the Single pigs had lower ADFI (7%; P < 0.001) but similar gain:feed (P > 0.10). From wk 11 to harvest, pigs on Double and Single treatments had similar (P > 0.10) ADG in both studies and, in Study 1, ADFI was unaffected by initial stocking treatment, but double-stocked pigs had greater gain:feed (4%, P < 0.01). Double-stocked pigs required an additional 2 d to reach a fixed harvest BW (P < 0.05) in Study 1 and were lighter (4%; P < 0.05) at 24 wk after weaning in Study 2. Carcass measures were similar (P > 0.10) for double- and single-stocked pigs. Double-stocked pigs that were moved at the end of 10 wk had growth performance similar (P > 0.10) to those that remained in the original pen. In summary, double stocking reduced growth rate to 10 wk after weaning but subsequently had no effect on growth rate and improved feed efficiency.     

Interaction of swine nursery and grow-finish space allocations on performance

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the possible interaction of nursery space allocations and grow-finish space allocations in swine. In Exp. 1, crowding was achieved by varying the number of pigs per pen. During the nursery phase, decreasing the space allocation (0.16 m2/pig vs 0.25 m2/pig; 8 and 12 pens per treatment, respectively) by increasing the number of pigs per pen (18 vs 12) resulted in a decrease in daily feed intake (0.609 vs 0.683 kg/d; P < 0.001) and daily gain (0.364 vs 0.408 kg/d; P < 0.001). Pigs were mixed within nursery treatment groups and reassigned to grow-finish pens (6 pens per treatment) at the end of the 35-d nursery period providing either 0.56 m2/pig (14 pigs/pen) or 0.78 m2/pig (10 pigs/pen). Crowding during the grow-finish phase decreased daily feed intake (P < 0.003) and daily gain (P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, space allocations of 0.16 m2/pig vs 0.23 m2/pig during the nursery phase (24 pens per treatment) resulted in a decrease in daily feed intake (0.612 vs 0.654 kg/d; P < 0.005) and daily gain (0.403 vs 0.430 kg/d; P < 0.001). Pigs remained in the same (social) groups when moved to the grow-finish phase. Unlike Exp. 1, there was no effect of crowding during the grow-finish phase (0.60 m2/pig vs 0. 74 m2/pig) on daily feed intake or daily gain. The difference in results between experiments suggests that the response to crowding during the grow-finish phase may depend in part on whether pigs are mixed and sorted following movement from the nursery.     

The effects of dietary energy concentration and weaning site on weanling pig performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary energy density and weaning environment on pig performance. Treatment diets were formulated to vary in DE concentration by changing the relative proportions of low (barley) and high (wheat, oat groats, and canola oil) energy ingredients. In Exp. 1, 84 pigs in each of 3 replications, providing a total of 252 pigs, were weaned at 17 x 2 d of age and randomly assigned to either an on-site or an off-site nursery and to 1 of 3 dietary DE concentrations (3.35, 3.50, or 3.65 Mcal/kg). Each site consisted of a nursery containing 6 pens; 3 pens housed 7 barrows and 3 housed 7 gilts. All pigs received nontreatment diets in phase I (17 to 19 d of age) and phase II (20 to 25 d of age), respectively. Dietary treatments were fed from 25 to 56 d of age. Off-site pigs were heavier at 56 d of age (23.4 vs. 21.3 kg; P < 0.05) and had greater ADFI (0.77 vs. 0.69 kg/d; P < 0.01) than on-site pigs. There was a linear decrease in ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.001) with increasing DE concentration. Efficiency of gain improved (P < 0.01) with increasing DE concentration. There was no interaction between weaning site and diet DE concentration, indicating that on-site and off-site pigs responded similarly to changes in diet DE concentration. In Exp. 2, nutrient digestibility of the treatment diets used in Exp. 1 was determined using 36 pigs with either ad libitum or feed intake restricted to 5.5% of BW. Energy and N digestibility increased (P < 0.001) with increasing DE concentration. Nitrogen retention and daily DE intake increased with DE concentration in pigs fed the restricted amount of feed (P < 0.05). These results indicate that weaning off-site improves pig weight gain. The weanling pig was able to compensate for reduced dietary DE concentration through increased feed intake. Growth limitation in the weanling pig may not be overcome simply by increasing dietary DE concentration.     

Growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and fecal microflora in weanling pigs fed live yeast

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of live yeast supplementation on nursery pig performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microflora and to determine whether live yeast could replace antibiotics and growth-promoting concentrations of Zn and Cu in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, 156 pigs were weaned at 17 d of age (BW = 5.9 kg) and allotted to a 2 x 2 factorial randomized complete block design (six or seven pigs per pen with six pens per treatment). Factors consisted of 1) dietary supplementation with oat products (oat flour and steam-rolled oats; 0 or 27.7%) and 2) yeast supplementation at 0 or 1.6 x 10(7) cfu of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47/g of feed. In Exp. 2, 96 pigs were weaned at 17 d of age and allotted to a 2 x 2 factorial randomized complete block design (four pigs per pen with six pens per treatment) with factors of 1) diet type (positive control containing growth-promoting concentrations of Zn, Cu, and antibiotics or negative control) and 2) live yeast supplementation (0 or 2.4 x 10(7) cfu of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC47/g of feed). The inclusion of oat products in Exp. 1 decreased (P < 0.10) overall ADG and final BW. Yeast supplementation did not affect growth performance of pigs in Exp. 1 (P = 0.65); however, ADG in Exp. 2 was 10.6% greater (P < 0.01) and ADFI was increased by 9.4% (P < 0.10) in pigs supplemented with yeast in the positive control diet. Addition of Zn, Cu, and antibiotics to the diet improved gain:feed ratio during the prestarter period (P < 0.02) and overall (P = 0.10). In Exp. 1, inclusion of oat products increased (P < 0.01) total bacteria in feces when measured on d 10. Fecal lactobacilli measured on d 28 were reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed diets with oat products and yeast (interaction, P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, yeast supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) total bacteria and lactobacilli. Dietary yeast resulted in a greater (P < 0.05) yeast count in feces of pigs during the starter phase of Exp. 1. Yeast decreased (P < 0.10) the digestibility of DM, fat, and GE in the prestarter phase and DM, fat, P, and GE in the starter phase, whereas oat products increased the digestibility of DM, CP, fat, and GE (P < 0.05) in the prestarter phase. Results indicate that live yeast supplementation had a positive effect on nursery pig performance when diets contained growth-promoting antimicrobials. Nonetheless, the response was variable, and the conditions under which a response might be expected need to be further defined.     

Effect of group size and feeder type on growth performance and feeding patterns in growing pigs

The effects of four group sizes (2, 4, 8, and 12 pigs per pen) and two single-space feeder types (conventional and electronic feed intake recording equipment [FIRE]) on feed intake, growth performance, and feeding patterns were determined in growing pigs over a 4-wk period. A total of 416 hybrid pigs (barrows and gilts) were grown from 26.5 (SD = 1.6) to 47.8 (SD = 2.7) kg BW and given ad libitum access to a corn-soybean meal-based diet (17.4% CP; 0.9% lysine; 3,298 kcal ME/kg). The floor space allowance was 0.9 m2/pig for all treatments. Pigs using the electronic feeders had similar growth rates but lower feed intakes (P < 0.01) and higher gain:feed ratios (P < 0.01) compared to those using the conventional feeders. Barrows compared to gilts had higher growth rates (P < 0.05), numerically higher (P > 0.05) ADFI, and similar feed efficiency and feeding pattern. Feed intakes and growth rates were lowest (P < 0.05) for groups of 12 pigs but gain:feed ratio was not affected by group size. Daily feeder occupation time per pig was lower (P < 0.01) for groups of 12 than for groups of 2 or 4 pigs, and feed consumption rate was higher (P < 0.01) for groups of 12 than for groups of 4 pigs. The proportion of time spent eating was lower (P < 0.01) and the proportion of time spent standing was higher (P < 0.01) for pigs in groups of 12 compared to groups of 2. Correlations between ADG and ADFI and feed intake per visit were 0.29 and 0.30, respectively (P < 0.01), between ADG and ADFI and feed consumption rate were 0.27 and 0.31, respectively (P < 0.01), and between ADFI and feeder occupation time per day were 0.33 (P < 0.01). This study suggests that, in growing pigs given access to a single feeder, changes in feeding behavior with increasing group size were not sufficient to maintain feed intake and growth rate.     

Effects of dietary wheat middlings, distillers dried grains with solubles, and choice white grease on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat quality of finishing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of adding combinations of wheat middlings (midds), distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and choice white grease (CWG) to growing-finishing pig diets on growth, carcass traits, and carcass fat quality. In Exp. 1, 288 pigs (average initial BW = 46.6 kg) were used in an 84-d experiment with pens of pigs randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 8 pigs per pen and 9 pens per treatment. Treatments included a corn-soybean meal-based control, the control with 30% DDGS, the DDGS diet with 10% midds, or the DDGS diet with 20% midds. Diets were fed in 4 phases and formulated to constant standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys:ME ratios within each phase. Overall (d 0 to 84), pigs fed diets containing increasing midds had decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.02) ADG and G:F, but ADFI was not affected. Feeding 30% DDGS did not influence growth. For carcass traits, increasing midds decreased (linear, P < 0.01) carcass yield and HCW but also decreased (quadratic, P = 0.02) backfat depth and increased (quadratic, P < 0.01) fat-free lean index (FFLI). Feeding 30% DDGS decreased (P = 0.03) carcass yield and backfat depth (P < 0.01) but increased FFLI (P = 0.02) and jowl fat iodine value (P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, 288 pigs (initial BW = 42.3 kg) were used in an 87-d experiment with pens of pigs randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 8 pigs per pen and 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with 2 amounts of midds (0 or 20%) and 3 amounts of CWG (0, 2.5, or 5.0%). All diets contained 15% DDGS. Diets were fed in 4 phases and formulated to constant SID Lys:ME ratios in each phase. No CWG × midds interactions were observed. Overall (d 0 to 87), feeding 20% midds decreased (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F. Pigs increasing CWG had improved ADG (quadratic, P = 0.03) and G:F (linear, P < 0.01). Dietary midds or CWG did not affect ADFI. For carcass traits, feeding 20% midds decreased (P < 0.05) carcass yield, HCW, backfat depth, and loin depth but increased (P < 0.01) jowl fat iodine value. Pigs fed CWG had decreased (linear, P < 0.05) FFLI and increased (linear, P < 0.01) jowl fat iodine value. In conclusion, feeding midds reduced pig growth performance, carcass yield, and increased jowl fat iodine value. Although increasing diet energy with CWG can help mitigate negative effects on live performance, CWG did not eliminate negative impacts of midds on carcass yield, HCW, and jowl fat iodine value.     

The effect of space allocation on barrow and gilt performance

Two experiments were conducted to determine the variation in response to space allocation between barrows and gilts and to examine an alternative allocation regimen for barrows and gilts. Experimental space allocations in both experiments were achieved by varying the number of pigs per pen in a fully slatted facility. In Exp. 1, barrows were given 0.58 and 0.65 m2/pig (nine and eight pigs per pen, respectively) and gilts were given 0.65 and 0.74 m2/pig (eight and seven pigs per pen, respectively). In addition, barrows at 0.58 m2/pig were fed diets formulated for barrows or diets formulated for gilts. Barrows grew 4.8% slower (P = 0.031) and ate 3.1% less feed daily (P = 0.062) at 0.58 vs. 0.65 m2/pig from 22 to 115 kg BW, with no difference in feed conversion, daily lean gain, carcass lean percent, or variation in weight within the pen at time of first pig removal to slaughter. There was no improvement in daily gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, lean gain, or carcass lean percent when gilts were given 0.74 vs. 0.65 m2/pig from 22 to 115 kg BW. There was no difference in performance between the population that consisted of barrows and gilts at 0.65 m2/pig vs. the population of barrows at 0.58 m2/pig and gilts at 0.74 m2/pig. There was no difference in performance by barrows at 0.58 m2/pig when fed either barrow or gilt diets, except for a slight increase (P = 0.078) in within-pen weight variation when the first pig was removed for slaughter for the barrows fed gilt diets. In Exp. 2, barrows and gilts were given 0.58 m2/pig or 0.74 m2/pig (18 vs. 14 pigs per pen) from weaning (mean age 17 d) to slaughter on d 168 postweaning. There were no interactions between space allocation and gender. Daily gain and feed intake were decreased by 2.8% (P = 0.037) and 2.9% (P = 0.084), respectively, with no effect on feed conversion or standardized fat-free lean daily gain for the 0.58 vs. the 0.74 m2/pig treatment, whereas total live weight gain per pen was increased 20.8% (P < 0.001). Results of Exp. 1 suggest that space allocation can be used to achieve similar growth rates between barrows and gilts, and results of Exp. 2 suggest that the response to space allocation is similar for barrows and gilts. The difference in magnitude of response to space allocation between experiments may be due in part to when the social group was formed, with a smaller difference in performance in Exp. 2 associated with a stable social group from weaning to slaughter.