Rs. Gomez et al., Growth performance and digestive and metabolic responses of gilts penned individually or in groups of four, J ANIM SCI, 78(3), 2000, pp. 597-603
Two experiments were conducted to identify factors involved in the growth r
etardation of pigs housed in groups. In each experiment, 60 gilts were allo
tted to two treatments in a randomized complete block design. Twelve gilts
were penned individually with one feeder, one waterer, and a space allowanc
e of 1.5 m(2) per pen. Forty-eight gilts were allocated to 12 groups of fou
r and penned together with four feeders, four waterers, and a space allowan
ce of 6 m(2) per pen. In Exp. 1 there were 60 growing gilts (initial and fi
nal BW of 17.9 and 50.8 kg, respectively), and in Exp. 2 there were 60 fini
shing gilts (initial and final BW of 46.0 and 118.3 kg, respectively). In E
xp. 1 there was a trend (P < .10) toward greater final BW, ADG, and average
backfat thickness of gilts penned individually. Apparent digestibilities o
f DM, CP, and energy tended (P < .10) to be greater and plasma NEFA concent
rations were lower (P < .05) for gilts penned individually. Plasma concentr
ations of urea and glucose were similar between treatments. In Exp. 2, ADG
was greater (P < .05) and there was a trend (P < .10) for greater final wei
ght, ADFI, loin weight, and primal cut weight of gilts penned individually.
Apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and energy and the plasma concentratio
ns of urea, glucose, and NEFA were similar in both treatments. In summary,
growing gilts penned four per group had reductions in daily gain, backfat t
hickness, and apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and energy and increases
in plasma NEFA concentrations. Finishing gilts penned four per group had re
ductions in daily gain and feed intake with no changes in apparent nutrient
digestibilities or plasma metabolite concentrations compared to individual
ly penned gilts.