The effect of space allocation on barrow and gilt performance

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Swine Nutrition and Management
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Space allocation is a critical factor influencing animal welfare and productivity in swine farming.
• Understanding gender-specific responses to space is essential for optimizing housing conditions.
• Previous research has indicated potential differences in how barrows and gilts utilize available space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the variation in growth performance between barrows and gilts in response to different space allocations.
• To evaluate an alternative space allocation regimen for both barrows and gilts.
• To determine if diet formulation influences the response of barrows to space allocation.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted using fully slatted facilities, varying the number of pigs per pen to achieve different space allocations (m²/pig).
• Experiment 1 examined barrows and gilts at specific space allowances and tested diets for barrows.
• Experiment 2 assessed space allocation from weaning to slaughter in a mixed-gender group.

Main Results:

• In Experiment 1, barrows at 0.58 m²/pig grew slower and consumed less feed compared to 0.65 m²/pig, with no significant differences in feed conversion or carcass traits.
• Gilts did not show improved performance with increased space (0.74 vs. 0.65 m²/pig) in Experiment 1.
• Experiment 2 showed reduced daily gain and feed intake at 0.58 m²/pig compared to 0.74 m²/pig, but increased total pen weight gain, with no gender-space interaction.

Conclusions:

• Space allocation can be adjusted to achieve comparable growth rates between barrows and gilts.
• The response to space allocation appears similar for both barrows and gilts, particularly when social groups are stable from weaning.
• The magnitude of response to space allocation may be influenced by the timing of social group formation and stability.