Effects of Number of Pigs Per Feeder Hole in Wet-dry Feeders and of Supplemental Water in pic®800 Sired Commercial Pigs

This study evaluated the effects of number of pigs per feeder hole (wet-dry feeders) and supplemental water sources on the growth performance of pigs raised in commercial wean-to-finish facility. 2,238 pigs (PIC®Camborough × PIC®800) were used in a RCBD (Block =Weight) study with five treatments: 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 pigs per feeder hole (20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 pigs per pen, respectively) and two supplemental water treatments: Off = Feeder water was the only source of water; and “On” = water cup on/feeder water off for first 21 days post weaning, water cup off/feeder water on day 21 to 82 kg, and water cup on/feeder water on from 82 kg to market.. All pens provided 0.63 m2/pig across all treatments with one 2-hole wet-dry feeder (38 cm per feeder hole), and 2 auxiliary drinkers. All pigs were fed a common diet. Data were analyzed using R with number of pigs per hole and supplemental water as fixed effects, barn as random, and pen as the experimental unit. There were no interactions for any variable. Overall, BW decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing pigs per feeder hole but was not affected by supplemental water treatment. Increasing number of pigs per hole ADG and ADFI decreased linearly (P < 0.001). Supplemental water treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on ADG, however there was increased ADFI (P < 0.05) for supplemental water off versus supplemental water on. Overall, no differences in feed conversion observed between pigs per feeder hole treatments. Feed conversion decreased (P < 0.05) for supplemental water on versus supplemental water off. Number of full value pigs sold was similar for pigs per feeder hole treatments and similar for supplemental water on and supplemental water off. For pigs per feeder hole, wean to 20 kg BW, there were no differences observed for BW amongst pigs per feeder hole treatment. 20 kg BW to marketing there was a linear difference for heavier BW with decreasing pigs per feeder hole. For supplemental water, 11 kg BW to 45 kg BW there was a statistical difference in heavier BW for supplemental water off versus supplemental water on. 66 kg BW to marketing there was no difference for BW between supplemental water on or supplemental water off. Results suggest that higher numbers of pigs per hole had a negative impact on performance, and for supplemental water on or off there is an advantage in BW and ADFI during the early phases but overall, no differences in pig performance. Further research is needed to corroborate these statements.