Comparison of three types of floor in pig houses (deep bed, solid floor and slatted floor) for animals in the finishing phase on commercial farms

Abstract

Research and practical experience in swine production have resulted in increased understanding of the relationship between the pigs’ well-being and various indicators of productivity and quality of final product. The study aimed to evaluate, both from the technical standpoint and with respect to costs, the effects of three physical structures of pens (EFC): deep bedding, solid floor, and slatted floor, for pigs in the finishing phase under commercial farm conditions. The swine houses of three producing farms located in Carabobo State were used (one type of pen per farm). In the first level of analysis of the data a bi-dimensional contrast of variables (ANOVA) was conducted to determine in preliminary form if differentiating effects exist between the animals in each EFC, observable through a set of biological response indicators (R), included in the study. In the second confirmatory level a linear regression model was applied, including the EFC variable in the right hand side of the equation, as a controlled factor the effect of which was to be measured. There were significant group effects, i.e. variability in most of the R with respect to the type of EFC used for housing the animals. The regression analysis further indicated that shift toward non-conventional EFC (deep bedding) was accompanied by significant positive effects on the response variables: lifetime gain and gain during the final phase, days until slaughter, feed conversion index, and culling rate. Considering all initial construction costs, including structures for disposal of excreta (such as lagoons, etc.), deep bedding was the most economical alternative.