Slatted versus solid floors in the dung area: Comparison of pig production system (moved versus not moved) and effects on hygiene and pig performance, weaning to four weeks after weaning

The effect of weaning pigs in pens with slatted versus solid floor dung alleys, and of moving at weaning, was studied on pigs from 201 litters. Weaning was at 5 weeks and no litters were mixed. Four treatments were performed: slatted + moved, slatted + not moved, solid + moved and solid + not moved. Pen hygiene was significantly better in the slatted floor pens and morbidity significantly lower. There were no significant differences in mortality or in daily weight gain. Escherichia coli-associated diarrhoea was the major cause of disease and death, and joint inflammation was also of importance. It was concluded that slatted flooring improved pen hygiene and reduced morbidity due to gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, moving the pigs at weaning to cleaned, slatted floor pens may further reduce disease problems.