The influence of environment on the growth of commercial finisher pigs

Results: UNRES group pigs had higher (P < .001) average daily liveweight gain, fat-free lean gain, and fat gain compared to pigs raised in the commercial environment. The liveweight gain and lean growth advantage of UNRES group pigs compared to COMM group pigs were immediate and consistent at each measurement. Lean gain increased from 30 to 52 kg (66 to 115 lb) bodyweight and then declined in both environments. UNRES group pigs had lower AGP (P < .02) and higher IGF-1 (P < .10) compared to COMM group pigs from 13‐23 weeks of age. CD4 values were also significantly (P < .05) lower for the UNRES group pigs at 23 weeks of age. Implications: The commercial grow-finish environment reduced liveweight, lean, and fat growth to 70% of that achieved under less limiting research conditions. Differences in AGP and CD4 values were detected between environments, suggesting that they may be useful as biomarkers in the finisher stage of commercial production.