The effect of number of single-space feeders and the provision of an additional drinker or toy on the performance and feeding behaviour of growing pigs

Abstract

Feed spillage is a major cause of inefficiency when non-pelleted diets are fed ad libitum especially when large groups of pigs have access to only one feeding space (Patterson and Walker, 1989; Walker, 1990). Competition for access to the feeder may contribute to spillage (Hansen, Hagelso and Madsen, 1982) although Albar and Granier (1989) showed no reduction in feed efficiency with 8 to 12 pigs per feeding place. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the performance and feeding behaviour of pigs fed ad libitum in groups of 20 when given an extra single-space feeder or an additional drinker or ‘toy’.Six hundred and forty cross-bred pigs from Landrace and Large White origins were used from 37 kg to slaughter at 91 kg live weight. They were penned in groups of 20 with a floor space allowance of 0.66 m2 /pig on fully slatted floors.