Effect of housing system on fattening and slaughter results and profitability of pig fattening

Effect of housing system on fattening and slaughter results and profi tability of pig fattening. The study was performed on a fattener farm in a pig house with and without bedding material. In each housing system, Landrace × Duroc weaners imported from Denmark, with an initial weight of 25–30 kg, were fattened in three different seasons. Animals were fed ad libitum with mixed feeds prepared on the farm. The study determined mortality, daily gains, feed conversion (kg feed/kg gain), daily feed intake, hot carcass weight, and meatiness. A simplifi ed economic calculation of fattening costs was made. Pigs kept on litter were characterized by lower daily gains (10–20%), lower daily feed intake (5–10%), less effi cient feed conversion (5%), and higher lower meatiness (1–2.9% point). Taking into account the costs incurred during the fattening process and revenue from the sale of fattening pigs and natural fertilizer, keeping the pigs without bedding proved more profi table. Difference totaled 0.16 PLN per 1 kg hot carcass weight.