Effects of gastric ulceration on growth rate of intensively reared pigs
Blackshaw, J.K.; Kelly, W.R.
Veterinary Record 106(3): 52-54
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7361428 Document Number: 165891
The 147 pigs from a specific pathogen-free unit were weaned at 26 to 32 days old, fed freely on commercial pellet diet with 20% crude protein to 12 weeks old then fed twice daily on diet with 16% crude protein from meat, fish and soya bean meal; the grain was wheat, barley or maize depending on the supply. Each pig was identified and weighed at intervals to marketing at 160 to 180 days old. Nine pigs appeared thin and had severe stomach ulcer, constrictions of the cardia caused by scars of the pars oesophagea, and hypertrophy of the caudal part of the oesophagus. Those 9 pigs had eaten slowly, with frequent regurgitation, and their calculated rates of growth had been significantly less than that of normal pigs.