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A Comparison of One- and Two-Unit Housing-Management Systems for Gestating and Lactating Swine¹

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 61801

Abstract

During a 3-year period, a comparison of reproductive performance by female swine confined to either a One-Unit System (OUS) or a Two-Unit System (TUS) was made. In the OUS, the females were confined to one building (Bldg.) throughout their reproductive life. In the TUS they were housed in different Bldgs. during the gestation period and the lactation period. There were 370 and 546 litters produced in the OUS and TUS, respectively. Reproductive performance — as measured by percentage of mated sows that farrowed, gestation gain, litter size at birth and at weaning, and weight of pigs at birth and at weaning — was similar in the two systems. The number of sow medications at and following parturition was, relative to the total number farrowed in each system, slightly less in the OUS than in the TUS. The number of litter medications for diarrhea was less (P<.05) in the OUS than in the TUS. Aerial bacterial and dust counts were higher in enclosed Bldgs. than in the open front Bldg. Values were highest in the enclosed Bldgs. during the winter months when ventilation rates were minimal.

¹ This research was supported in part by funds from the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station and the National Pork Producers Council.