Article contents
A comparison of methods of specifying stocking density for welfare and performance of finishing pigs on different floor types
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2021
Extract
The Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 specify a system of increasing space allowance for finishing pigs based on a series of weight bands (Figure 1). The width of the bands in the regulations, especially at the higher weights, impose a certain degree of inflexibility on the management of finishing pig accommodation. An alternative approach to specifying space allowance is to relate it to average pig live weight at any given time using an allometric equation (Petherick and Baxter, 1981). Based on this, Edwards et al. (1988) proposed A(m2)=0.030*M0.67(kg), to optimise performance on slats. The present study compares space allowance increments following this equation with the bands of the regulations, and its interactive effects with floor type and bedding on the welfare of finishing pigs.
- Type
- Programme
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1997
References
- 2
- Cited by