Effects of floor area allowance and group size on the productivity of growing/finishing pigs.

Six group sizes and three levels of floor area allowance were studied in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement. Group sizes were 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 15 pigs per pen. Floor area allowances were .030, .039, and .048 m2 x BW(.667). All pens were square and equipped with a single space feeder and nipple drinker near one corner. Pigs were fed a pelleted diet. Initial weights averaged 25.0 kg, and pigs remained on test for 12 wk. Pigs were weighed, feed intake was determined, and size of pens was increased at 2-wk intervals. Pen size was adjusted to provide the space required for the midpoint of each weigh period. Two replicates of the study were conducted. The ADG was reduced with increasing group size (899, 851, 868, 872, 857, and 821 g, SEM = 16.4, for 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 15 pigs, respectively; P < .05), but the CV for gain (mean = .185) did not differ among group sizes. The ADFI also decreased with increasing group size (2.49, 2.34, 2.32, 2.28, 2.28, and 2.21 kg, SEM = .036, for 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 15 pigs, respectively; P < .05). Feed efficiency (gain/intake) was highest for group sizes of 7 and 10 pigs (.381) and lowest for pens of three and five pigs (.363; P < .05). The ADG and ADFI (832 g and 2.25 kg, respectively) for the most crowded space allowance were reduced compared to more spacious allowances (ADG and ADFI of 875 and 877 g, and 2.35 and 2.36 kg, for .039 and .048 m2 x BW(.667), respectively; P < .05). Efficiency did not differ among space allowances. These results confirm previous studies reporting a negative effect of increasing group size on productivity, but our study suggests that gain and intake reach a plateau at less space allowance than previously reported.