The Pig Journal website is brought to you in association with ThePigSite.com
The Pig Journal is published by UK Pig Veterinary Society and can be contacted here
The Pig Journal
 
Home
Pig Journal Index
News Archives
Published Articles

Buy On-line
Manual Order Form

PVS web site
Other Links

Search This Site
Submissions
Contact us


Pig Journal Volume: 54
Publication date: November 2004

Refereed Section

EFFECT OF EARLY WEANING AND OUTDOOR PRODUCTION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
P. Danko and G. Bilkei

Abstract
The objective of this pilot study was to measure growth performance differences between early and late weaned, indoor or outdoor raised pigs, from birth to slaughter.
Ninety-six piglets were assigned to four groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (n=24): early weaned (day 10 of lactation) and raised indoors, Group 2 (n=24): early weaned (day 10 of lactation) and raised outdoors, Group 3 (n=24): late weaned (day 28 of lactation) and raised indoors, Group 4 (n=24): late weaned (day 28 of lactation) and raised outdoors. Pig weights, average daily gains, feed efficiency and days to slaughter were evaluated.
At the end of the nursery phase, early weaned pigs were heavier than late weaned ones (P<000.1). During the last 4 weeks of the nursery phase, early weaned pigs had a higher average daily gain compared to the late weaned ones (P<.0001). Bad weather conditions negatively influenced daily gains in early weaned animals compared to the late weaned pigs (P<.0001). During the same period of time, higher (P=.0022) feed/gain ratio was observed in early weaned piglets. Indoor rearing did not influence finisher daily gains (P>.43). Feed/gain ratio was, for the last 4 weeks of the nursery, lower (P<.05) in early weaned pigs compared to late weaned ones. Days to slaughter did not differ between the early or late weaned and indoor or outdoor raised animals (P=.989).

Add to Basket
 
 
www.pigvetsoc.org.uk © Copyright The Pig Veterinary Society 2004

 

Sunday 23rd November

Our Main Sponsors
 
Supporting Partners