Effect of Environment on the Productivity and Physiological Indicator of Nursery Piglets

The aims of the present study were to determine the effect of rearing environment on the productivity and physiological indicator during the nursery phase of pigs. 14 litters of commercial crossbred pigs (Large White×Landrace) Weaned at 35 days of age were reared in their original pen with the weaker eliminated. 7 flatdecks (F) and 7 straw enriched pens (S) were modified from the farrowing pen. Feed Intake (FI), Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was collected and 2 male and 2 female per litter were randomly selected to measure cortisol, Growth Hormone (GH) and IgG at the end of the experimental period (70 days of age). Results showed that, for piglets in S, FI of was significantly lower (p＜0.05) from 50 days of age and ADWG from 43 to 70 days of age was significantly lower (p＜0.001), though GH was significantly higher (p＜0.01). But there was no difference in FCR, cortisol and IgG between environments. In conclusion, piglets in S had a higher GH, but poor productivity because of unsuitable feed changing and nursery environment had no effect on cortisol and IgG.