Effect of Environment, Sex and Protein Level of Ration on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing-Finishing Swine

Research conducted at the Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm during the winter of 1968-69 and reported at the 1969 Swine Field Day (A.S. Series 69-38) indicated that the performance of pigs fed rations containing 15% protein to about 115 lb. and 12% protein to market weight was equal to that of pigs fed a ration 17% protein to 115 lb. reduced to 14% protein from 110 lb. to market weight. In the previous trial about 9% more feed was required for those pigs fed in the uncontrolled environment; however, rate of gain was not affected by the type of housing. The present experiment was conducted to obtain further information on the protein needs of barrows and gilts and their performance when fed in a controlled environment building or an open-front building with feeders and waterers outside