BEHAVIOR AND GROWTH OF PIGS IN GROUP PENS UNDER DIFFERENT FEEDING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Five different feeding systems were tested on growing-finishing pigs. Behavior patterns on lying down, nibbling, drinking, urinating, defecating, walking, and eating were observed. Production traits such as weight gain and feed efficiency were recorded up to 18 weeks. Only two behavioral patterns were significantly affected by the different feeding systems, i.e., lying down and nibbling. Other behavioral patterns were not affected by the treatments. The production traits that were significantly affected by the different feeding systems were the number of days to reach 90 kg average liveweight and backfat thickness. Animals fed twice daily at 60 min each showed significantly shorter period to reach 90 kg average liveweight and have thinner backfat probe compared to those in other treatments.