Journal of Animal Science, Vol 79, Issue 4 803-810, Copyright © 2001 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Effect of group size and feeder type on growth performance and feeding patterns in growing pigs

Y. Hyun and M. Ellis
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.

The effects of four group sizes (2, 4, 8, and 12 pigs per pen) and two single-space feeder types (conventional and electronic feed intake recording equipment [FIRE]) on feed intake, growth performance, and feeding patterns were determined in growing pigs over a 4-wk period. A total of 416 hybrid pigs (barrows and gilts) were grown from 26.5 (SD = 1.6) to 47.8 (SD = 2.7) kg BW and given ad libitum access to a corn-soybean meal-based diet (17.4% CP; 0.9% lysine; 3,298 kcal ME/kg). The floor space allowance was 0.9 m2/pig for all treatments. Pigs using the electronic feeders had similar growth rates but lower feed intakes (P < 0.01) and higher gain:feed ratios (P < 0.01) compared to those using the conventional feeders. Barrows compared to gilts had higher growth rates (P < 0.05), numerically higher (P > 0.05) ADFI, and similar feed efficiency and feeding pattern. Feed intakes and growth rates were lowest (P < 0.05) for groups of 12 pigs but gain:feed ratio was not affected by group size. Daily feeder occupation time per pig was lower (P < 0.01) for groups of 12 than for groups of 2 or 4 pigs, and feed consumption rate was higher (P < 0.01) for groups of 12 than for groups of 4 pigs. The proportion of time spent eating was lower (P < 0.01) and the proportion of time spent standing was higher (P < 0.01) for pigs in groups of 12 compared to groups of 2. Correlations between ADG and ADFI and feed intake per visit were 0.29 and 0.30, respectively (P < 0.01), between ADG and ADFI and feed consumption rate were 0.27 and 0.31, respectively (P < 0.01), and between ADFI and feeder occupation time per day were 0.33 (P < 0.01). This study suggests that, in growing pigs given access to a single feeder, changes in feeding behavior with increasing group size were not sufficient to maintain feed intake and growth rate.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Y. Hyun, G. E. Bressner, R. L. Fischer, P. S. Miller, M. Ellis, B. A. Peterson, E. P. Stanisiewski, and G. F. Hartnell Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing YieldGard Rootworm corn (MON 863), a nontransgenic genetically similar corn, or conventional corn hybrids J Anim Sci, July 1, 2005; 83(7): 1581 - 1590. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. A. Kerr, L. R. Giles, M. R. Jones, and A. Reverter Effects of grouping unfamiliar cohorts, high ambient temperature and stocking density on live performance of growing pigs J Anim Sci, April 1, 2005; 83(4): 908 - 915. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. B. Jensen Computer-Controlled Milk Feeding of Dairy Calves: The Effects of Number of Calves per Feeder and Number of Milk Portions on Use of Feeder and Social Behavior J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2004; 87(10): 3428 - 3438. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Y. Hyun, G. E. Bressner, M. Ellis, A. J. Lewis, R. Fischer, E. P. Stanisiewski, and G. F. Hartnell Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing Roundup Ready corn (event nk603), a nontransgenic genetically similar corn, or conventional corn lines J Anim Sci, February 1, 2004; 82(2): 571 - 580. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				I. J. Wellock, G. C. Emmans, and I. Kyriazakis Predicting the consequences of social stressors on pig food intake and performance J Anim Sci, December 1, 2003; 81(12): 2995 - 3007. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]