The effect of floor space allocation on growth rate and feed intake of crossbred barrows from 5th to 9th month of age was investigated. Three treatment groups with a floor space of 1.0 m2 (T1), 1.2 m2 (T2) and 1.8 m2 (T3) per pig were maintained and each group contains seven pigs and monthly body weight and feed intake were recorded. Significant difference (P< 0.05) between T1 and other two groups (T2 and T3) was observed with respect to body weight. Significant reduction in body weight (kg) at 9 months of age was observed in T1 group as compared to T2 and T3 groups. Statistically no significant difference was observed among the treatment groups (T2 and T3). But, body weight gain and average daily gain recorded were highest in T2 (1.2 m2/pig) group. Hence, it was concluded that 1.2 m2 floor space/pig proved to be an optimum for finisher pigs to produce better growth rate.
Average daily gain, Body weight, Crossbred pigs, Floor space, Growth performance
