The influence of a bio-active feed supplement (hormonexa) on the performance and carcass quality of bacon pigs

Abstract

SUMMARYThree trials, each involving 24 pigs, were conducted to assess the value of Hormonexa as a feed supplement for pigs slaughtered at 90 kg live weight. Rations were compounded from a variety of feeding stuffs to different protein levels and the pigs were fed on various nutritional planes. Hormonexa was added to these rations at the rate of 1·32 kg per 1000 kg meal.In all three trials growth rate and food conversion efficiency were not affected significantly by the addition of the supplement. There was a tendency for the pigs receiving the supplement to be slightly leaner but in only 1 out of 39 measurements of fat thickness was the difference between control and supplemented pigs statistically significant (P< 0·05).No benefit from this feed supplement has been demonstrated in terms of animal performance or carcass quality under a range of feeding systems.