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An Evaluation of Enclosed Confinement and Drylot Finishing Systems for Swine^{1, 2,}

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201

Abstract

This experiment was conducted during July to September to compare enclosed confinement and drylot finishing systems as evaluated by performance, management, economics, carcass measurements and pork quality. Crossbred pigs (160) averaging 107.6 lb (48.9 kg) were randomly allotted to either a drylot finishing facility or an enclosed confinement finishing facility.

The pigs finished in drylot had a greater (P <.01) mean daily gain compared to pigs finished in confinement, while gain/feed was the same for pigs finished in both facilities. The pigs finished in drylot had a greater mean backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area and a lower percentage of ham and loin compared to the pigs finished in confinement, which may be attributed in part to the greater slaughter weight of the pigs finished in drylot. The Wisconsin Pork Quality Scores and the Warner-Bratzler Shear Test scores were similar for pigs from both finishing facilities.

The total variable cost required to produce 99 lb (45 kg) or pork was similar for both facilities.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 6972.

² Experiment was conducted on a commercial swine (approximately 10,000 head farrow to finish annually) farm near Marshall, Missouri, owned and managed by Mr. Gerald Sandidge. Thanks are extended to Mr. Sandidge for his cooperation in the collection of these data; Mr. G. E. Gibson, Hunter Packing Co., East Saint Louis, Illinois, for assistance in obtaining the carcass measurements and Dr. H. B Hedrick for assistance in pork quality evaluation.

³ Mr. Sprouse supervised and assisted in the daily collection of these data throughout the entire experiment as partial fulfillment for the Degree of Master of Science, Department of Animal Husbandry. Present Address: Farmland Industries, Inc., Jefferson City, Mo.

⁴ Department of Animal Husbandry, 110 Animal Science Research Center.

⁵ Department of Agricultural Engineering.

⁶ Department of Agricultural Economics.