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Between 28 and 63 days of age (post‐weaning period), growth performance was not significantly influenced by the gender. Between 63 and 152 days of age (fattening period), daily feed intake of boars was 11% lower than that of barrows (2.41 vs. 2.70 kg/d) whereas their average daily gain was similar (1056 g). Consequently, feed conversion ratio was 14% lower for boars and their carcass was leaner. Gilts' performance and carcass leanness were intermediate between those of boars and barrows. According to simulations performed with the InraPorc software over the 25‐116 kg body weight range, the digestible lysine requirement per unit of net energy was on average 0.1 g/MJ higher for boars than for gilts and barrows. Barrows were less active than gilts and boars and had more leg problems at the end of the fattening period (lameness, bursitis). Boars presented higher lesion scores (wounds/scratches) during the first six weeks and more social behaviour. Investigations showed that gilts were more interested by pen features than
by other pigs.
N. Quiniou, V. Courboulay, Y. Salaün, P. Chevillon. Conséquences de la non castration des porcs mâles sur les performances de croissance et le comportement : comparaison avec les mâles castrés et les femelles.2010. Journées Recherche Porcine, 113.
