A study of double and triple deck rearing and a feed flavor for weaned pigs

Abstract

Two series of trials were conducted for five weeks to compare the performance of three to four week weaned pigs reared in single, double and triple deck pens. In these trials, the addition to a starter diet of a flavor compound previously fed in the lactation diet was evaluated as a means of stimulating postweaning performance.

In the first series, two trials were conducted using 128 pigs each from sows fed flavor and non-flavor lactation diets. Pigs were reared in single, bottom and top deck pens. All pigs were fed flavor starter diets ad libitum. The combined data showed no significant differences in average daily gain, feed consumption and feed per gain between pigs reared in the various decks. Also performance was similar for pigs from the two sow groups.

In the second series, three trials were conducted using 48 pigs each from sows fed flavor and non-flavor lactation diets. Half of the pigs from each of the sow groups was fed flavor starter diet and half was fed non-flavor starter diet. Pigs were reared on bottom, middle and top decks of a triple deck system. The combined data revealed no significant differences between pigs reared on the various decks. Also performance was similar for pigs fed flavor and non-flavor diets regardless of whether pigs were from sows fed flavor or non-flavor diets.

In this study the double and triple deck systems increased nursery densities by 67 and 200%, respectively. The.use of the flavor compound in the sow lactation and pig starter diet did not improve performance.