Effects of Group Size and Space Allowance on Performance and Behavior of Swine

Randolph, J H; Cromwell, G. L.; Stahly, T. S.; Kratzer, D. D.

doi:10.2527/jas1981.534922x

Cited by 107 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 6 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…However, an increase in space allowance from SA0.64 to SA0.74 did not result in significant benefits. Fewer attacks, threats and displacements at higher floor space allowance of 1.64 m 2 pig -1 compared with 1.25 and 0.82 m 2 pig -1 have previously been reported (Randolph et al 1981). The present findings are also supported by other studies wherein increased agonistic behaviour has been reported to be associated with decreasing space allowance (Ewbank and Bryant 1972).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Effects of allometric space allowance and weight group composition on grower-finisher pigs

Anil¹,

Anil²,

Deen³

2007

Can. J. Anim. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Anil, L., Anil, S. S. and Deen, J. 2007. Effects of allometric space allowance and weight group composition on grower-finisher pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 87: 139-151. The average daily gain (ADG; kg d -1 ), pen efficiency (PE; kg ADG m -2 floor space) and welfare indicators (injury levels, salivary cortisol concentrations and behaviour) of grower-finisher pigs were evaluated in groups of 19 barrows, at four levels of floor space allowances calculated mathematically (area = k × BW 0.667 ) using a constant k, (with values 0.027, 0.031, 0.034, and 0.037) for a mean final market weight of 116 kg and in two levels of group weight composition (uniform and varying weights -based on uniformity and variation of body weights of pigs within a pen at the beginning of the experiment). The corresponding space allowances (m 2 pig -1 ) at the market weight of 116 kg were 0.64 (SA0.64), 0.74 (SA0.74), 0.81 (SA0.81), and 0.88 (SA0.88). The data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVAs and independent sample T tests. The pigs in SA0.64 had a lower ADG (0.859 ± 0.017), spent a lower proportion of time lying in preferred areas (55.22 ± 1.644) and had higher total injury scores (4.581 ± 0.139) and higher number of aggressions (1.94 ± 0.286) (P < 0.05 for all) than those in SA0.88 (0.936 ± 0.020; 61.02 ± 1.203; 3.858 ± 0.208; 1.08 ± 0.212, respectively) and SA0.81 (0.916 ± 0.019; 59.77 ± 1. 417; 3.855 ± 0.112; 1.24 ± 0.238, respectively). Pigs in SA0.64 had higher (P < 0.05) overall PE (1.344 kg ADG m -2 floor space) than those in SA0.88 (1.063 ± 0.023) SA0.81 (1.131 ± 0.024) and SA0.74 (1.224 ± 0.029) allowance treatments. Pigs in the varying weight group spent a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of time lying in preferred areas (59.73 ± 0.942) than the uniform weight group (57.08 ± 1.078). Pigs in SA0.74 and SA0.64 spent lower proportion of time (P < 0.05) lying isolated (2.76 ± 0.441 and 2.18 ± 0.372, respectively) than pigs in SA0.81 (4.52 ± 0.467). The uniform weight group exhibited more (P < 0.05) exploratory behaviour (8.83 ± 0.448) than the varying weight group (7.25 ± 0.356). On fully slatted floors, space allotted considering the final market weight of barrows corresponding to k values of 0.037 and 0.034 were better (P < 0.05) than 0.027 in terms of growth rate and welfare indicators. ,88 (EA0,88). Les résultats ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de la variance avec mesures répétées et d'une analyse par test t sur des échantillons indépendants. Les sujets EA0,64 présentaient un GQM plus faible (0,859 ± 0,017), passaient moins de temps couchés dans leur coin préféré (55,22 ± 1,644) et montraient plus de blessures (4,581 ± 0,139) tout en connaissant un plus grand nombre d'agressions (1,94 ± 0,286) (P < 0,05 dans tous les cas) que les porcs EA0,88 (0,936 ± 0,020; 61,02 ± 1,203; 3,858 ± 0,208; 1,08 ± 0,212 respectivement) et EA0,81 (0,916 ± 0,019; 59,77 ± 1,417; 3,855 ± 0,112; 1,24 ± 0,238 respectivement). Les porcs EA0,64 profitent d'une meilleure (P < 0,05) ES globale (1,344 kg de GQM par m2 d'espace) que les sujets EA0,88 (1,063 ± 0...

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Effects of allometric space allowance and weight group composition on grower-finisher pigs

Anil¹,

Anil²,

Deen³

2007

Can. J. Anim. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The results obtained resembled those previously found in pigs with regard to group size and space allowance (Randolph et al 1981), that there was no interaction between these two factors. This indicates that group size and early handling of the animals affected the measured parameters in an independent manner.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

“…Similar results have been reported earlier in heifers (Hindhede et al 1996), pigs (Randolph et al 1981) and foxes (Ahola et al 1996). In the present study, the larger group size had a clear effect only on the large number of bite scars in the female blue fox cubs housed in six-animal groups.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 81%

Effects of group size and early handling on some behavioural and physiological welfare parameters in farmed blue foxes

Ahola

Harri²,

Mononen³

et al. 2002

AFSci

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The present study included two procedures, both aimed at improving animal welfare: early handling and changing the social conditions of the animals. Production and welfare related parameters as well as behaviour were assessed in blue fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs who were either handled or not before weaning, and housed after weaning either in pairs or in six-animal groups. The effect of the larger group size was observed in the larger number of bite scars in the female cubs housed in six-animal groups. Furthermore, the group size seemed to affect the performance of foxes most clearly in the late autumn when intra-litter aggression was observed during the feeding test. On the other hand, early handling had only short-term positive effects on the performance of the foxes but later transpired to have a negative impact on the stress profile of these animals.

show abstract

“…Moreover, space restriction in pigs may alter biochemical mechanisms and cause behavioral changes (e.g., increased aggression), which may divert dietary energy away from supporting growth (Bryant and Ewbank 1972;Randolph et al 1981;Chapple 1993). Indeed, Paterson and Pearce (1991) observed increased plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels in space-restricted pigs compared to those allowed adequate spacing.…”

Section: Ii31 Space Allocationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Voluntary feed intake in growing-finishing pigs: A review of the main determining factors and potential approaches for accurate predictions

Nyachoti

Zijlstra²,

Lange³

et al. 2004

Can. J. Anim. Sci.

148

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A review of the main determining factors and potential approaches for accurate predictions. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 84: 549-566. The ability of pigs to consume sufficient nutrients for optimal performance is an important consideration in commercial pork production. Nutrient intake levels are directly related to voluntary feed intake. Voluntary feed intake in pigs is influenced by several factors including environmental conditions (e.g. thermal and social conditions), animal status (e.g., age and physiological status), and feed and feeding conditions (e.g. bulkiness of the feed and feed form). Although the individual effects of many of these factors on voluntary feed intake have been investigated and quantified, little has been done to characterize their interactive effects. Under commercial conditions, voluntary feed intake is clearly influenced by multiple factors at any one time. Thus, there is a need for a means to accurately quantify voluntary feed intake in pigs as affected by the different interacting factors. Until quantitative effects of these interactions are established it is suggested that feed intake be monitored. This can be achieved by obtaining feed intake on representative groups of pigs.

show abstract

Effects of Group Size and Space Allowance on Performance and Behavior of Swine

Cited by 107 publications

References 6 publications

Effects of allometric space allowance and weight group composition on grower-finisher pigs

Effects of allometric space allowance and weight group composition on grower-finisher pigs

Effects of group size and early handling on some behavioural and physiological welfare parameters in farmed blue foxes

Voluntary feed intake in growing-finishing pigs: A review of the main determining factors and potential approaches for accurate predictions

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About