Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed from conventional self feeders versus a programmed hog feeding system

Data from 1412 pigs in seven different trials formed the basis of this study. Each trial used a complete farrowing group of pigs from the swine confinement unit (System III) at Ames Plantation. Each trial began with approximately 200 pigs weighing an average of 50 lb and were randomly divided into two groups by weight. The approximate 40 lightest pigs were divided equally into pens 1 and 2, the next heaviest 40 pigs were divided equally into pens 3 and 4 and so on until all pigs were assigned to 12 pens. One group was fed by a conventional four-hole Smidley self feeder and watered by one nipple waterer located over the pit area. The other group was fed by a Stage III Meal-Time feeder which also had five nipple waterers attached to the feeder. All pigs were crossbred and the ration fed was the same during each trial. Average daily gain was calculated by subtracting total beginning pen weight from total end weight divided by pig days within each pen. Feed efficiency was calculated for each group (Smidley vs. Meal-Time) within each trial by dividing total pounds of feed by total pig gain. Water usage for each trial was measured by installing water meters for each feeding system. It was found by least squares analysis that feeding system had no significant effect (P >.05) on average daily gain. Even though pigs fed by Smidley feeders outgained pigs fed on the Meal-Time system, the difference was not significant (P > .05). Least squares analysis revealed there was no difference (P >.05) in feed efficiency between the two feeding systems. Feed efficiency ratios were the same. Trial effect displayed more difference, but not significantly {P >.05). System effect on water usage was highly significant. Pigs on Meal-Time feeders used significantly (P <.0001) less water than those on Smidley feeders as measured by water usage/pig/day and water usage/lb of feed consumed. Trial effect was not significantly different (P >.05).