Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2017
The live weight range 20-40 kg is a critical phase for lean growth optimisation. One of the constraints on efficient pig growth is floor space allocation which is often seen as a compromise between maximum performance and economic return / unit of floor space. It is documented that a reduction of floor space, usually by removing or increasing the number of pigs in the pen, decreases both pig growth and feed intake (Kornegay et al 1984). Interpretation of these experiments is difficult, as the modification of other pen resources such as feeding space are not adjusted for. It is therefore hypothesised that by reducing floor space provision whilst at the same time increasing feeding opportunity will optimise pig performance. The objective of this experiment was to test this hypothesis.