A 2(4) factorial experiment with six pens per treatment was conducted to examine the factors affecting the excretory behavior of growing-finishing pigs. The factors investigated were partition type (open or closed), pig density (9 or 14 pigs/pen, size: 2 m x 4.5 m), position of nipple drinker in the pen (back wall of the pen or side in front of slatted area), and prior experience of pigs (training or no training). A total of 1,104 pigs at a weight interval of 28.4 +/- .2 to 91.4 +/- .4 kg were used in this study. Pen cleanliness was assessed by a dung scoring system, and growth rate was determined over the growing-finishing period. Partition type, nipple drinker position, or prior training of pigs had no effect on growth rate. Stocking pigs at 14 pigs/pen reduced growth rate (P < .05) compared with 9 pigs/pen (.80 vs .83 kg/d). Significant differences for pen dirtiness were found for partition type. Pens with closed partitions were cleaner than those with open partitions (P = .0001) and pens became significantly dirtier as pigs grew older or heavier (P < .01). There was a significant interaction effect between pen partition and pig density as well as an interaction among pen partition, pig density, and water position (P < .05).

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From a population of SCWL laying hens, 100 birds were classified according to their efficiency of conversion of feed to egg mass. From these, 4 "efficient" and 3 "inefficient" birds were used in energy metabolism studies involving indirect calorimetry, while the remainder were used for carcass analysis. Birds maintaining a criteria of 13.5-15.5 kg egg/48 weeks and classified as efficient or inefficient with respect to feed conversion had comparable body weight gains and did not differ significantly (P<.05) in the protein or fat content of their carcasses. In terms of energy metabolism, efficient and inefficient birds (selected on the basis of similar body size and egg mass production) showed no significant (P<.05) difference in their ability to metabolize dietary energy. In metabolism chambers, however, inefficient birds produced significantly (P<.01) more heat under conditions of ad lib. feeding (.148 vs. .121 kcal/min/kg ) and starvation (.110 vs. .090 kcal/min/kg ). From a videotaped study of bird activity there was an indication that this difference in metabolic rate was related to bird movement since inefficient birds spent less time resting and more time standing and feeding than did the efficient birds.1978 Poultry Sci 57:735-739 735