A Progress Report on the Performance of Growing-Finishing Swine Under Different Environmental Conditions

Another series of trials have been completed on the effects of various floor types, number of pigs per pen and open versus insulated, ventilated housing on the performance of growing-finishing pigs. The floor types were: 10 0% slotted , 5 0% slotted, 2 5 % slotted, and concrete with a narrow, deep gutter across the end of the pen. The slats were 5 inch wide reinforced concrete. Pits under the floor accumulated the manure. Pen sizes were either 5 x 15 feet or 10 x 15 feet. Eight or 9 pigs were placed in the smaller pens and the number of pigs was doubled in the larger pens. The pigs used in these trials were SPF Hampshire, Yorkshire, and Duree crossbred pigs. A 22 x 22 foot house with an adjoining outside concrete pen was used to compare the performance of pigs reared in this environment with the pigs in the insulated, ventilated house. Bedding was used in this house during both trials and the pigs were watered outside. One of two groups in this house was fed inside and the other was fed outside