Effect of improved housing on performance of piglets in tropics

Present study aimed to find effect of improved housing on micro-environment, and piglets' performance and economics.A total of 24 piglets, six in each were allotted to Solid-concrete floor (T1), Rubber-mat floor (T2), Solid-concrete floor with foggers (T3) and Rubber-mat floor with foggers (T4).Temperature-humidity of house and piglets' performance were recorded fortnightly.Carcass quality (live weight, hot carcass weight, dressing %, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin eye area, meat %, bone %, fat % and meat bone ratio) and cost of production were also assessed.Temperature was significantly (P<0.05)lower in house with foggers (T3 and T4) than without foggers (T1 and T2), but relative-humidity did not differ.Live body weight, growth, feed intake and feed efficiency among the groups did not differ (P>0.05).Improved housing significantly (P<0.05)affected carcass quality parameters except pre-slaughter live weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage.Production cost was higher in T4 followed by T2, T3 and T1.Results showed that improved housing i.e., concrete floor with foggers (T3) results better carcass quality and returns, which can be advocated for piggery in tropical climate to provide favourable micro-environment, better productivity and increase profitability.