Journal of Animal Science, Vol 79, Issue 2 301-308, Copyright © 2001 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Individually measured feed intake characteristics and growth performance of group-housed weanling pigs: effects of sex, initial body weight, and body weight distribution within groups

E. M. Bruininx, C. M. van der Peet-Schwering, J. W. Schrama, P. F. Vereijken, P. C. Vesseur, H. Everts, L. A. den Hartog and A. C. Beynen
Research Institute for Pig Husbandry, Rosmalen, The Netherlands. e.m.a.m.bruininx@pv.agro.nl

Feed intake characteristics of 192, 27-d-old weanling pigs housed in groups and given ad libitum access to feed and water were measured individually with the use of computerized feeding stations. The groups were either homogeneous or heterogeneous as to BW distribution; pigs of three defined initial BW classes were used (mean BW of 6.7, 7.9, or 9.3 kg). The effects of BW distribution, BW class, and sex were studied with regard to average performance traits, latency time (interval between weaning and first feed intake), initial feed intake (intake during the first 24 h following first feed intake), and daily increase in feed intake during the interval between first feed intake and the day on which energy intake met or exceeded 1.5 times the maintenance requirement. Homogeneous and heterogeneous groups had similar latency times, initial feed intakes, and daily increases in feed intake. For the period 0 to 34 d after weaning, ADFI and ADG were also similar for homogeneous and heterogeneous groups, but gain:feed ratio was greater (P < 0.05) in the homogeneous groups. Gilts had higher (P < 0.05) initial feed intakes than barrows and also had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG during the period 0 to 13 d after weaning. Pigs with average BW of 6.7 kg had higher (P < 0.05) initial feed intakes than their counterparts with average BW of 7.9 kg and 9.3 kg, but the daily increase in feed intake was similar for the three groups. The lighter pigs had more daily visits and a lower feed intake per visit and tended to have a shorter postweaning latency to the onset of feeding than the heavier pigs. This study indicates that the high variability in early feeding behavior among group-housed weanling pigs may be related to BW and sex.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Berkeveld, P. Langendijk, H. M. G. van Beers-Schreurs, A. P. Koets, M. A. M. Taverne, and J. H. M. Verheijden Postweaning growth check in pigs is markedly reduced by intermittent suckling and extended lactation J Anim Sci, January 1, 2007; 85(1): 258 - 266. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Dybkjaer, A. P. Jacobsen, F. A. Togersen, and H. D. Poulsen Eating and drinking activity of newly weaned piglets: Effects of individual characteristics, social mixing, and addition of extra zinc to the feed J Anim Sci, March 1, 2006; 84(3): 702 - 711. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. M. C. van der Peet-Schwering, B. Kemp, J. G. Plagge, P. F. G. Vereijken, L. A. den Hartog, H. A. M. Spoolder, and M. W. A. Verstegen Performance and individual feed intake characteristics of group-housed sows fed a nonstarch polysaccharides diet ad libitum during gestation over three parities J Anim Sci, April 1, 2004; 82(4): 1246 - 1257. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. M. A. M. Bruininx, M. J. W. Heetkamp, D. van den Bogaart, C. M. C. van der Peet-Schwering, A. C. Beynen, H. Everts, L. A. den Hartog, and J. W. Schrama A prolonged photoperiod improves feed intake and energy metabolism of weanling pigs J Anim Sci, July 1, 2002; 80(7): 1736 - 1745. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]