Large groups of pigs have become more popular as they improve space use and profitability while reducing housing costs. Concern of large groups having social instability which could result in higher mortality and morbidity, poor growth and higher variation in body weights are present. Production performance was compared between grower-finisher pigs in groups of 108 and 18 pigs/pen. Average daily gain was slightly reduced in the larger group, but overall performance was similar between the groups.
Effects of Large Group Size on Productivity of Grower-Finisher Pigs (full article)
