There has been significant research studying the effects of space allowances on grow-finish pigs. But little information is available regarding the effects on them. With increasing concerns for animal welfare and getting weaned pigs off to a good start, finding appropriate space allowances based on animal behavior, health and performance considerations will be important.
Source: National Hog Farmer, January 22, 2018.
Weaning and nursery are critical stages in pig production and are highly stressful. Changes in behavior can be used as an early indicator of potential impacts on productivity. Overlying behavior reduced significantly soon after weaning, indicating that pigs are less willing to overlie at the end of the nursery phase, when pigs are most crowded, so this behavior cannot be used to justify reduced space allowances.
INSIGHTS: While further analysis is needed to draw firm conclusions from this study, the results indicate that pigs reared under commercial conditions were more susceptible to crowding stress than those managed under research farm conditions. With increasing pressure to reduce antibiotic use, it will be even more important to consider space allowances in nurseries and to ensure that pigs get a good start on life.