Effect of stocking density on growth performance and feed efficiency of Hampshire grower pigs reared under identical feeding and management

摘要

High stocking density and severe space restriction per head per pig has an effect on physiological functions, resulting behavioural alterations and affects productive performances in pigs (Sybesma, 1980). Overcrowding or high stocking density in hot humid environment may lead to stress condition in animals. Many workers reported that decrease of floor space per pig affected the growth and feed conversion efficiency significantly (Heaitman et al., 1961; Ford and Teague, 1978). Information on floor space requirement of pigs in a climatic condition characterized by high humidity and rainfall is very scanty. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to find out optimum space requirement of Hampshire growing pigs in hot-humid climate condition for optimum production.