An experiment was carried out to evaluate two types of feeder on the performance of pigs in growing and finishing phases. Ninety-nine animals were used (48 barrows and 48 gilts) with 6.27kg initial live weight distributed in four treatments (T1 - 24 barrows, single space dry feeder - COC; T2 - 24 barrows, single space wet/dry feeder - CBC; T3 - 24 gilts, COC; T4 - 24 gilts, CBC). Feed intake of pigs fed in CBC (1.95kgd-1) was higher (P < 0.053) than in COC (1.84kg d-1). Feed intake differences were observed in the last period of post weaning and during growth period. Weight gain of pigs in CBC (0.72kgd-1) was also higher (P < 0.009) than in CBC (0.68kgd-1). However, feed conversion of pigs in COC (2.69) was similar (P > 0.05) to those in CBC (2.71). There was no interaction between sex and feeder on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion during growth and finish phases. Although the feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion have been inferior in gilts in relation to barrows, there was not effect of the feeder type. Feeding pigs from weaning to finishing in dry or wet single space feeders affects feed intake and weight gain, but feeder type does not affect feed conversion.
pigs; feeder; growth; dry feed; wet feed
