Table 4.
Determination of k-values for different space allocations and pig weights (Exp. 1)1
| Item | Space allocation per pig, m2 | k-value3,4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.84 | 0.74 | 0.65 | 0.84 sq m | 0.74 sq m | 0.65 sq m | |
| BW when k = 0.0336, kg5 | 121.2 | 101.7 | 83.3 | --- | --- | --- |
| Weight, kg | ||||||
| d 0 | 66.1 | 66.1 | 66.1 | 0.0504 | 0.0448 | 0.0392 |
| d 14 | 80.8 | 80.1 | 80.1 | 0.0441 | 0.0394 | 0.0345 |
| d 28 | 95.9 | 93.8 | 94.4 | 0.0393 | 0.0354 | 0.0309 |
| d 42 | 108.8 | 107.3 | 107.2 | 0.0361 | 0.0324 | 0.0284 |
| d 55 | 121.3 | 119.2 | 119.0 | 0.0336 | 0.0302 | 0.0265 |
| d 66 | 133.4 | 130.6 | 129.6 | 0.0315 | 0.0284 | 0.0250 |
1
Average pig weight reported for each space allocation and weigh day.
2
Each pen contained 9 pigs and space allocation was manipulated by utilizing adjustable gates.
3
k-values calculated using a formula reported by Whittemore (1998): Space per pig (m2) =k × BW (kg)0.67.
4
Bold type indicate k-values below 0.0336, the critical k-value for adequate feed intake as defined by Gonyou et al. (2006).
5
Calculated body weight for each space allocation when k = 0.0336, the critical k-value for adequate feed intake for grow-finish, fully slatted flooring and equal group sizes (Gonyou et al., 2006).