Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version. If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options. ENVIRONMENTAL, BEHAVIORAL AND HEALTH ISSUES OF WEANING AND FINISHING PIGS UNDER INTENSIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEMPublished by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org Citation: Proceedings of the Seventh International Symposium, 18-20 May 2005 (Beijing, China) Publication Date 18 May 2005 701P0205.(doi:10.13031/2013.18426)Authors: X. D. Liao, Y. B. Wu, G. C. Ruan and X. L. Wang Keywords: Intensive pig production, weaning pig, finishing pig, environment, behavior, health Intensive pig production in the developing economies including China is growing rapidly to meet the increased demand for animal protein. Animals in intensive farming system are overcrowded due to use of the existing limited infrastructure and management systems, resulting in negatively impacts on their behavior, welfare, health and productivity. This paper discusses the issues of environment, behavior and health of animals during the productions of weanling and finishing pigs. Abnormal behaviors as the result of stress of the weaned piglets responded to their new environment are described. Fighting among weaners are mainly happened during the first several hours after mixing, and gradually declined and ceased by the end of second day. Suggestions are proposed to reduce fighting and stress among the weaners in this paper. High temperature, high humidity and poor air quality in animal houses are key factors limiting the growth of finishing pigs in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The conditions within the house have strong effect on animal behavior, feed efficiency, disease and productivity. It resulted from overstocking, large group size, poor ventilation and poor waste management. It is suggested that a suitable stocking density and maintaining a good air quality are important to improve health of weanling and finishing pigs and thus pork production. (Download PDF) (Export to EndNotes)
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