The early weaning of pigs VI. The effects of early weaning and of various growth curves before 50 lb. live weight upon subsequent performance and carcass quality

Abstract

The experiment involved nine litters, each containing four male and female pairs of pigs. At about 10 days of age the four pairs within each litter were randomized one to each of the following treatments. (1) Pigs left with their dams, weaned at 56 days old and then fed ad lib. until they each weighed 50 lb. (2) Pigs weaned at 10 days old and fed ad lib. until they each weighed 50 lb. (3) Pigs weaned at 10 days old, given restricted feed allowances so that they weighed 30 lb. at 56 days old, then fed ad lib. until they each weighed 50 lb. (4) Pigs weaned at 10 days old and given restricted feed allowances so that they weighed 30 lb. at 56 days old and 50 lb. at 90 days old. Between 50 lb. and slaughter at 205 lb. all pigs were kept to the same very high plane of feeding, which was based on live weight. All pigs were individually fed from weaning onwards.