The Effect of Size and Type of Slat Upon the Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs

On approximately December 1, 1973, the first group of pigs was put on test in the new confinement finishing barn at the SDSU swine research unit. The barn consists of 24 pens with space for 8 pigs per pen or a total of 192 head of pigs. Three different slat types and sizes are included in the building which allow a comparison of pig performance as related to floor type. Ten of the pens have concrete slats 5 inches side, 10 of the pens have concrete slats 8 inches wide and 4 of the pens have 3 1/2 inch aluminum slats. The information in this report in a summary of data and observations during the first year related to slat types