Effect of Group Mixing and Available Space on Performance, Feeding Behavior, and Fecal Microbiota Composition During the Growth Period of Pigs
60 Duroc pigs were grown during the fattening period, grouped by weight and sex. Control group (CG) pigs had 1.5m2 per animal without social mixing. Stress group (SG) pigs underwent two social mixes and had 50% reduced space (1m2). Fecal samples were collected at three intervals (every two months) to sequence the 16S rRNA gene, analyzing the impact of stress and space reduction on gut microbiota.