Early Weaned Pig Performance in Hoop Structures During Early Summer

Four groups of early weaned pigs (19 days of age) from the ISU Southwest Swine Research Farm, Atlantic, IA were delivered to the Hoop Research Complex at the ISU Rhodes Research Farm, Rhodes, IA, in late May and early June 1998. Three groups of pigs (n=552) were placed in three (30–ft × 60 ft) deep bedded hoop structures. The fourth group (n=159) was placed in a mechanically ventilated modular confinement building with total slatted floors. Pig performance was good for both housing systems. During the 26-day trial, hoop pigs ate 14% more feed than the confinement pigs (P\u3c.004). The average daily gain (ADG) for the 26-day trial was (26%) more for the hoop pigs than those in confinement (P\u3c.004). The 0−14 day gain-to-feed ratio was higher for the hoop pigs (P\u3c.03) than the confinement pigs. Mortality was very low (3 of 711). By starting early weaned pigs in hoops during the spring and fall, weanto-finish production may be an acceptable strategy for producers with hoop structures