None of the oil treatments affected aggression among previously acquainted pigs. Both types of oil applications increased aggression among unacquainted pigs, although the familiarized pigs fought less than the animals which were only masked. In the second study, pigs were exposed to the odours of other pigs by exchanging pens for 3 days prior to re-grouping. Exposure to the odours of other pigs did not affect the aggression which occurred following re-grouping. It is concluded that group odours are unlikely to be involved in modifying aggression among unfamiliar pigs.
Aggression is likely related to individual recognition, rather than recognition of the group.
This would result in the most efficient feeding programs, producing pork of high quality at the lowest possible price. This experiment was carried out to define the lean tissue and lipid growth curves of a common commercial genotype. Barrows deposited protein at a greater rate than gilts until 87 kg bodyweight. Observed differences in protein and lipid deposition between genders explain differences in amino acid and energy requirements. These findings reinforce the need for split sex and multiple phase feeding programs, to maximize production efficiency and carcass quality.