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Limb injuries, immune response and growth performance of early-weaned pigs in different housing systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 August 2016

H. R. C. Kelly ,
J. M. Bruce ,
S. A. Edwards ,
P. R. English  and
V. R. Fowler
H. R. C. Kelly*
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Ferguson Building, Craigstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
J. M. Bruce
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Ferguson Building, Craigstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
S. A. Edwards*
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Ferguson Building, Craigstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA
P. R. English
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, MacRobert Building, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5UA
V. R. Fowler
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, MacRobert Building, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5UA
*
†Present address: Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, MacRobert Building, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5UA.
†Present address: Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, MacRobert Building, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5UA.
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Abstract

The welfare of early-weaned pigs in different housing systems was examined using a range of indicators. Three replicates of 20 pigs were weaned at 6·4 kg live weight into either: (a) deep-straw; (b) Straw-Flow®; (c) large flatdeck; (d) small flatdeck. A kenneled lying area was provided in (a) and (b). The floor in (c) and (d) was expanded metal. Stocking densities were 0·23 m2 per pig in (a), (b) and (c) and 0·17 m2 per pig in (d). After 4 to 5 weeks (19·6 kg live weight), 16 pigs from each pen were moved into Straw-Flow grower pens (0·68 m2 per pig) and observed until slaughter at 90·6 kg. The remaining pigs were grouped together to examine the effects of mixing. At weaning, 24·1% of pigs had foot injuries. Pigs with foot injuries recovered quickly on deep-straw but the injuries increased in flatdecks immediately after weaning (Straw-Flow was intermediate). Injuries were more persistent in the small flatdeck. Deep-straw prevented adventitious bursitis of the hock. After 1 month in the grower pens, there was no residual treatment effect. Antibody response was examined by immune challenge with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). Immunoglobulin (Ig) response was greater in straw pens. Pigs mixed at 20 kg showed a decreased immune response to KLH challenge. Growth and food intake showed no treatment effects; food conversion ratio was poorer in (c) than in (b) or (d).

Keywords

animal housinganimal welfareimmunityinjuriespigsproductivity
Type
Non-ruminant nutrition, behaviour and production
Information
Animal Science , Volume 70 , Issue 1 , February 2000 , pp. 73 - 83
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 2000

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