Management Economics

Case Study Comparison of Three Styles of Swine Finishers

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Abstract

Three styles of swine finishing facilities were compared to establish the economic benefit of each style of building. Styles included a curtain-sided finisher, a modified open front finisher, and a cargill unit. Information was collected on energy consumption, water consumption, animal performance, temperature performance, and carcass leanness. Preliminary results indicated the best feed efficiency occurred in the modified open front, whereas the lowest mortality occurred in the curtain-sided finisher. Temperature performance was much tighter in the curtain sided finisher than the other two building styles. A preliminary partial cost comparison indicated that the modified open front facility had the lowest cost with the curtain-sided and the modified open front both out performing the cargill unit

Keywords: ASL R1588

How to Cite:

Harmon, J. D., Baas, T. J., Hoff, S. J. & Xin, H., (1999) “Case Study Comparison of Three Styles of Swine Finishers”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 1(1).