CONDIÇÃO CORPORAL DE FÊMEAS SUÍNAS NA GESTAÇÃO ALOJADAS EM BAIAS COLETIVAS COM DIFERENTES SISTEMAS DE ARRAÇOAMENTO

Landrace and Large White hybrid swine females were housed in collective pens during the gestation phase and submitted to different feeding systems. In one of the housing was used the manual feeding system, with feed provided directly on the floor. In the other, the electronic feeding system in a cage with free access Gestal 3G was installed. Two groups, composed of three matrices each, were separated by housing. The females were allocated according to their Body Condition Score (ECC) and birth order, seeking the homogeneity of the lots. The objective was to evaluate the variation of Body Weight (PC), ECC and Thickness of Bacon (ET) up to 107 days of gestation. For this purpose, CP and ECC measurements were performed every two weeks. ET was evaluated each 21 days. The data were submitted to descriptive and regression analysis over time. It was observed at the end of gestation that the group housed in the pens with an electronic feeding system showed less unevenness in relation to the PC and greater control of ECC. These results, added to the reduction of hierarchical disputes and for food competition, are important for maintaining the welfare of these females. Thus, automated feeding system proved to be important allies on the creation of pregnant swine matrices in collective pens.