EVALUATION OF SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR SWINE FINISHING FEEDERS

Abstract

Time-lapse videos were used to evaluate feeder capacity by observing 21, 31, and 45 finishing swine eating ata four-space fence-line feeder. More animals per feeder space increased over-all feeder usage and the time that all fourfeeder spaces were occupied. Increasing the number of animals per feeder space decreased feeding time for each animal.A computer model based on a Markov Chain model modified to model diurnal activity was used to explain feeder usagepatterns. The best-fit model uses average meal lengths of 540 s and 14.4 meals per day. Model results suggest that 12 to14 growing-finishing swine can be adequately fed per feeding space. Additional observations were made of 136 finishingswine eating at one eight-space round feeder and compared with the model result. Average eating time of 81 min/pig/dayfor 136 animals at eight feeder spaces seems adequate on the basis of average feeding times. But the restricted feederavailability increased observed number of injuries to feeding animals from competition at the feeder anddisproportionately restricted feed availability to smaller, lower-ranking animals, reducing the apparent advantage ofequipment utilization. More experiments of 11 to 17 animals per feeder space are recommended to improve understandingof animal behavior in the region of maximum feeder capacity.