Comparison of different levels of all-meal feeding for fattening pigs

Abstract

1. Results are reported of an experiment carried out under commercial conditions to obtain information on the effect of four different levels of allmeal feeding on the performance and carcass grading results of fattening pigs.2. There were four treatments. All pigs were given the same meal mixtures and were fed dry and ad lib. up to four different daily maximums, namely, 6½, 6, 5½ and 5 lb. meal/pig/day. There were five pens of nine group-fed pigs on each treatment, involving a total of 180 pigs. The pigs were on experiment from approximately 8 weeks of age to bacon weight. Comprehensive carcass measurements were made on all pigs.3. The results showed that as the level of feeding was decreased, the growth rate of the pigs, back fat thickness and belly thickness were reduced, and the depth and breadth of eye muscle were increased, while the efficiency of food utilization, carcass dressing percentage and carcass length were not markedly affected. Commercial grading results similarly improved as the level of feeding was reduced.4. It was concluded that under the conditions prevailing, the maximum daily meal allowance should be of the order of 5½ lb./pig in order to obtain relatively satisfactory carcass grading.5. Subdivision of the carcass measurement and commercial grading data according to sex of pig showed that in general at each level of feeding the carcasses of the female pigs were superior to those of the male animals.The possibilities of segregating pigs according to sex during fattening as a means whereby undue retardation in the growth rate of the females might be prevented without adversely affecting their carcass grading, was discussed.