Slatted versus Solid Floors in the Dung Area of Farrowing Pens: Effects on Hygiene and Pig Performance, Birth to Weaning

Abstract

The effect of slatted versus solid floors in the dung area of farrowing pens on the health and production of pigs from birth to weaning was studied. In half of the farrowing pens, evenly distributed within a unit, the plastic slats were glued together to form a solid surface and only urine drainage was allowed. A total of 201 litters were studied. Pen hygiene in the slatted floor pens in general was significantly better in all trials, and there was a demonstrably higher amount of bacteria in the solid floor pens. Total mortality from birth to weaning was significantly higher for the solid floor treatment group, primarily due to more traumatic injuries and more infection losses. No significant treatment effects on morbidity and daily weight gain were observed. In conclusion, even in a closed herd with batch farrowing, good general hygiene level and good herd immunity, a small change such as solid flooring in the dung area can negatively affect pig health and production before weaning.