In a paper presented at the 2012 Kansas State University Swine Industry Day, S. Nitikanchana and colleagues presented their study, in which 15 trials were used for meta-analyses comparing the effects of conventional dry (CD) and wet-dry (WD) feeders on growth performance, carcass traits and water usage of growing-finishing pigs.

The meta-analysis indicated that pigs fed with WD feeders consistently had greater (P<0.01) average daily gain (0.09lb per day) and average daily feed intake than those fed with CD feeders; however, although highly variable, no overall difference (P=0.93) was observed in feed:gain ratio.

As a result of improved growth rate, final bodyweight and hot carcass weight of pigs fed with WD feeders was 3.2 per cent greater (P< 0.01) than when fed with CD feeders. For carcass traits, backfat was greater (P<0.01) and percentage lean was lower (P<0.01) in pigs fed with WD feeders than those fed with CD feeders.

Carcass yield and loin depth did not differ (P>0.14) between feeder types.

Water usage for pigs fed with WD feeders was 0.4 gallons per pig per day less (P=0.02) than for pigs using CD feeders.

Growing-finishing pigs fed with WD feeders had increased growth rate, feed intake, final bodyweight and hot carcass weight but deposited more fat as indicated by greater backfat and lower percentage lean, concluded the KSU researchers.

Reference

Nitikanchana S., S.S. Dritz, M.D. Tokach, J.M. DeRouchey, R.D. Goodband and J.L. Nelssen. 2012. Meta-analysis comparing growth performance, carcass characteristics, and water usage of growing-finishing pigs fed using conventional dry and wet-dry feeders. Proceedings of the Kansas State University Swine Industry Day 2012, p381-391.

You can view the full paper in the proceedings by clicking here.

Other papers presented at this conference can be viewed by clicking here.

February 2013