Effect of Group Mixing and Available Space on Performance, Feeding Behavior, and Fecal Microbiota Composition during the Growth Period of Pigs.

ABSTRACT: Stress significantly affects the health, welfare, and productivity of farm animals. We performed a longitudinal study to evaluate stress's effects on pig performance, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiota composition. This study involved 64 Duroc pigs during the fattening period, divided into two experimental groups: a stress group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). Stressed groups had less space and were mixed twice during the experiment. We monitored body weight, feed efficiency, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiota composition. Compared to the control group, the stressed pigs exhibited reduced body weight, feed efficiency, fewer feeder visits, and longer meal durations. In the fecal microbiota, resilience was observed, with greater differences between groups when sa

SUBMITTER: Clavell-Sansalvador A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11428945 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature