Space Requirements to Optimize Growth

September 6, 2006 — 

Optimizing the feed intake and growth performance of pigs requires additional square footage according to Mike Brumm, Extension Swine Specialist at the University of Nebraska.

Brumm emphasized the need for swine producers to evaluate the square footage of their animal-housing facilities during a presentation at the 2006 PORK Academy in Des Moines, IA. He reminded producers that numerous studies show a direct correlation between the amount of space available per pig and the rate of gain. He suggested that producers should determine the "K-value" for their pigs to evaluate the relationship between space and body weight.

The optimum K-value at which intake and gain are maximized is 0.2145. So, the relationship can be expressed as A = K x BW ^0.667 where A is the area in square feet and BW is the average body weight in pounds. Thus, the optimal space requirement for a 50 pound pig would be 2.9 square feet (A = 0.2145 x 50 ^0.667). Likewise, a 265 pound pig would require 8.9 square feet to optimize feed intake and rate of gain.

Citing a recent survey, Brumm indicated that the average U.S. finishing facility allows 7.2 square feet of space per pig. He reported that a summary of research studies suggests that, in fully slatted facilities, every 3-percent decrease in space results in a 1-percent reduction in daily feed intake and gain. Thus, a 250 pound pig given 7.2 square feet of space, rather than the 8.5 recommended, would experience a 5 percent reduction in feed intake and gain. The effect is even more pronounced in partially slatted facilities where a 3 percent decrease in space results in a 1.5 percent reduction in daily feed intake and rate of gain.

Source:
Livestock Roundup, July 6, 2006