Effect of Floor Space Allocation on Barrow Performance to 300 Pounds
University of Nebraska 1996 Swine Day Report. One hundred eighty barrows (12/ pen) were given space allocations of 7, 9, and 11 ft2/pig from 43 to 300 lb. There was no effect of space allocation on daily feed intake, lean gain, or carcass backfat depth. Pigs given 9 ft2 grew fastest while pigs given 7 ft2 had the best feed conversion. Daily gain and feed efficiency were worst when pigs were given 11 ft2/pig. Results from this experiment will be useful to producers as they make space allocation decisions for pigs finished at weights heavier than the current U.S. average of 245 to 250 lb.