Growth performance, carcass yield and organ weight of growing pigs fed different levels of feed

Abstract

A total of forty eight Large White weaner male pigs of 8 weeks old with average initial weight of 9.67±0.26 were used in a 150-day trial to determine the effect of feed quantity offered (1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 kg) on performance, carcass yield and organ weights of growing pigs. Final weight, daily feed intake and daily weight gain increased (P <0.05) signifi cantly with increase in feed quantity offered. Feed conversion ratio, daily water intake and frequency of faecal excretion decreased signifi cantly (P <0.05) with increasing feed quantity offered. Carcass weight and dressing percentage were signifi cantly (P <0.05) infl uenced by feed quantity offered. The backfat depth increased signifi cantly (P <0.05) with increase in feed quantity offered. Pigs fed 2.5 kg feed daily had higher (P <0.05) head, ham and shoulder compared to the values recorded for pigs fed 1.5 kg feed daily. Liver weights of pigs fed 2.0 and 2.5 kg feed daily had comparably similar values which differed signifi cantly from those fed 1.5 kg feed daily. These results showed that quantity of feed offered greatly infl uenced feed intake, weight, carcass yield, liver and heart of growing pigs, hence, it could be used as a management tool to improve performance and carcass yield of pigs.