Effect of sex on growth performance, nutrient utilizationand carcass characteristics in cross bred pigs

Abstract

A study was carried on 24 piglets (Large White York Shire × Desi) of an average initial weight of 20 kg of three gender groups, barrows, boars and gilts consisted of eight pigs each, of comparable body weight fattened from 20-48 kilograms (growing) to 49-96 kilograms (finishing) to see the effect of gender on growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass traits. When comparing feed intake at the growing stage, gilts consumed significantly more (P less than 0.05) feed than boars and barrows. There was no significant difference in average daily weight gain among barrows, boars and gilts in growing and finishing stage. Gilts had significantly higher (P less than 0.05) feed conversion ratio than boars in growing period and barrows in finishing period. Nutrient digestibility was similar except crude protein among groups. Fasting weight and weight after bleeding was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in gilts with nonsignificant difference between barrows and boars. Sex has no significant effect on evisceration weight, dressing percentage and carcass length in pigs. Carcass backfat of barrows was significantly thicker (P less than 0.05) than that of boars and gilts, however, the loin eye area was significantly larger (P less than 0.05) in gilts than boars and barrows. There were no significant differences among groups concerning the proportions of ham, under cut, bacon and rib chop however, shoulder and loin percentages were higher (P less than 0.05) in gilts than boars and barrows.