iCEV Livestock Certification Practice Test

The finishing barn is specifically designed for housing pigs as they reach market weight. In this phase of swine production, pigs are typically housed in facilities that facilitate optimal growth and feed efficiency. The finishing stage occurs after pigs have been weaned and grown in earlier stages, like the nursery or farrowing barn, and it focuses on maximizing weight gain before the pigs are sent to market.

A finishing barn provides adequate space, proper ventilation, and feeding systems that support the growth of pigs, ensuring they reach the desired market weight efficiently. The design and management practices in a finishing barn help ensure that pigs are comfortable, minimizing stress and promoting healthy weight gain.

In contrast, the nursery is where young pigs are kept after weaning but before they enter the finishing phase. The farrowing barn is used for sows to give birth and for the initial care of piglets, while gestation housing is where sows are kept during pregnancy. Each of these housing types serves distinct purposes in the pig production cycle, focusing on specific growth stages.