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Performance of Pigs as Influenced by Different Housing Systems

Author: P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, M. Pushpalatha and M. Murugan

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Abstract

A study was conducted to assess and compare the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Large White Yorkshire weaned pigs reared under different housing systems, viz intensive, semi-Intensive and extensive systems. System of housing had significant effect on growth, but degree of response varies and it needs to be assessed for recommendation in the field conditions. Parameters such as body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded at fortnightly intervals; and carcass traits at 180 days of age. Pigs under different housing systems showed comparable final weight, overall weight gain, and average daily gain and feed intake. Carcass traits such as carcass weight, dressing percentage, carcass length, ham, shoulder, loin eye area, and loin weight were comparable among pigs reared under different housing systems. However, extensively reared pigs had significantly higher feed efficiency (P<0.05), lower back fat thickness (P<0.01) and higher meat percentage (P<0.05) than the pigs reared under semi-intensive and intensive systems of housing. Based on this study, it is recommended that the extensive system of housing found to be improves feed efficiency and meat percentages in pigs.

Keywords

Growth performance, Housing System, Carcass Characteristics, LWY pigs

Conclusion

Piglets were reared under three different housing systems viz., intensive, semi-intensive and extensive systems. The growth and carcass characteristics of the pigs under different housing systems were compared. Extensively housed pigs had better feed efficiency with less back fat thickness and higher meat percentage than intensively and semi-intensively housing pigs.

References

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How to cite this article

P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, M. Pushpalatha and M. Murugan (2023). Performance of Pigs as Influenced by Different Housing Systems. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1140-1143.