Abstract

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of mixing finishing pigs on subsequent performance. Growth rate of heavier pigs was reduced 15-35% in the two weeks after mixing when compared to the non-mixed pigs. This reduction in weight gain resulted in a significant difference in average daily gain overall for pigs mixed at 5 weeks compared to non-mixed pigs. An 8% reduction in the two weeks following mixing was observed for pigs mixed at 3 weeks compared to non-mixed pigs. However, during the following weeks of the trial, these pigs recovered, resulting in a non-significant reduction overall in average daily gain. In trial 2, pigs that were sorted randomly into two groups at 5 weeks grew 6% faster than controls and overall had a significantly faster rate of gain than controls.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 21, 1985

Keywords: Swine day, 1985, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 86-145-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 486, Swine, Performance, Finishing pigs

How to Cite:

Hines, R. H., (1985) “Effect of mixing on performance of finishing swine”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(10), 94-97. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.6182