Abstract :
The objectives of the current study were to determine the degree to which space allocation in a deep-bedded system influences
swine performance and pork quality. The deep-bedded method employed was hoop structures, which are large, tent-like
shelters with cornstalks or straw for bedding. One hundred gilts ranging in weight from 59 to 71 kg were randomly assigned to
treatments of low (0.70m2 per pig, n550) or high (1.13m2 per pig, n550) space allocation. During the 45-day experimental
period, gilts were ad libitum fed a two-phase diet. Six gilts per treatment were used for carcass composition and pork quality
evaluation for each replication. Five replications were conducted over a period of 4 months. Pigs finished with greater space
allocation had smaller longissimus muscle area and produced pork that appeared to be darker. Variations in fatty acid
composition and lipid percentage of subcutaneous adipose and longissimus dorsi muscle were observed when space allocation
was changed within hoop structures. Less space resulted in greater proportion of lipid present as polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Greater space allocation resulted in lower total lipid in subcutaneous pork adipose tissue. Space allocation did not affect fat
firmness. Replications spanned the months of August to November, with temperatures ranging from 328C to 228C within the
hoop structure. As environmental temperature declined, the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids increased. Providing
more space during finishing in these systems had only a small affect on pig growth and pork quality. Variations observed from
replication to replication at fluctuating temperatures provide insight to seasonal differences in growth and adipose tissue
composition and firmness. Therefore, finishing pigs in these systems may lead to seasonal variation in lipid composition.
