Restricted-Feeding Versus Self-Feeding Sows During Pregnancy

An experiment was designed to compare the performance of sows during pregnancy when self- fed a bulky ration or limit-fed a higher energy ration. In the fall of 1964 , second litter sows were self-fed and housed together during the breeding period. After the breeding period, the sows were divided and one group was self-fed and the other group was limit- fed 5 lb. per head daily. Limit-fed sows were given their feed once daily in open troughs. Self-fed sows had access to a round metal fee der at all times. Water was fed ad libitum and pasture was available to both groups

Feeding Hormones to Finishing Swine

Diethylstilbestrol has become a rather common additive in beef cattle rations but has not been effective as a growth promotant in swine rations. Recent research has shown that combining the female hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES) with the male hormone methyltestosterone (MT) improves feed efficiency of pigs fed these rations from a weight of about 120 lb. to market. This experiment was conducted to obtain information on the effect of these hormones on growth, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of finishing swine

Effect of a Controlled Environment on the Performance of (1) Heavy and Light Weight Pigs and (2) Barrows and Gilts

The trend in swine housing during recent years has been toward controlled environment buildings. These buildings generally contain slotted or partially slotted floors. Labor requirements in structures of this type are apt to be less than with conventional type buildings. Also of concern to the pork producer is the performance of growing-finishing pigs in these buildings compared to the performance in less costly structures. The purpose of the experiment reported herein was to study the performance of heavy and light weight pigs and also of barrows and gilts allotted separately when housed in different environmental conditions during December, January, and February

Calcium and Phosphorus in Rations for Growing-Finishing Swine

Calcium and phosphorus are two mineral elements that are most often deficient in swine rations. Since they are associated with bone development, any lameness in swine is often attributed to a lack of calcium and/or phosphorus. The objective of this experiment was to study the value of increasing levels of calcium and phosphorus above the minimum recommended requirements for growing-finishing swine

A Progress Report on the Performance of Growing-Finishing Swine Under Different Environmental Conditions

Another series of trials have been completed on the effects of various floor types, number of pigs per pen and open versus insulated, ventilated housing on the performance of growing-finishing pigs. The floor types were: 10 0% slotted , 5 0% slotted, 2 5 % slotted, and concrete with a narrow, deep gutter across the end of the pen. The slats were 5 inch wide reinforced concrete. Pits under the floor accumulated the manure. Pen sizes were either 5 x 15 feet or 10 x 15 feet. Eight or 9 pigs were placed in the smaller pens and the number of pigs was doubled in the larger pens. The pigs used in these trials were SPF Hampshire, Yorkshire, and Duree crossbred pigs. A 22 x 22 foot house with an adjoining outside concrete pen was used to compare the performance of pigs reared in this environment with the pigs in the insulated, ventilated house. Bedding was used in this house during both trials and the pigs were watered outside. One of two groups in this house was fed inside and the other was fed outside

Swine Housing Studies: Type of Floors, Insulation and Methods of Handeling Waste

Swine housing is in an era of research, new ideas, and changes. Never before have we been more conscious of housing management and facilities for swine. Many swine producers are wondering if they should continue with the same facilities, or remodel the existing buildings, or construct a new building. If the producer decides to change or remodel, then a barrage of questions should be answered. Important considerations are: Complete confinement or pasture? What floor plan and manure handling method? Should the building be enclosed, insulated, ventilated, and how much automatic equipment? Perhaps we should make it clear in this paper that the authors are not suggesting a change should be made by swine producers, but rather swine can be profitably reared with good management under many conditions on pasture, in confinement, or a combination of pasture and confinement. Confinement rearing is relatively new and many new ideas are being tested. The purpose of this research is to provide information on some of these ideas

Effect of Environment, Protein Level of Ration and Sex on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing-Finishing Swine

Previous research at the Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm has shown that the main economical advantage of controlled environment housing for swine is an improved feed efficiency during the winter months. Some research workers have reported that gilts require a ration of higher protein content than do barrows. If this observation is true, barrows and gilts should be fed separately for maximum performance and efficiency. The purpose of the experiment reported herein was to study the performance of barrows and gilts fed separately rations containing either 17 or 15% protein to about 110 lb. and 14 or 12% protein from 110 lb. to market when housed in a controlled environment building or an open front building with feeders and waterers outside