Authors: Njoku, C.P., Aina, A.B.J.. Sogunle, O.M., Idowu, O.M.O. and Osofowora, A.
© 2011, Scienceline Publication Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research
ABSTRACT:
A total of 36 Large White weaner male pigs of 8 weeks old were allotted to two groups (ad libitum feeding for 3 months and 80% ad libitum feeding for 5 months) in a Randomized Completely Design, to evaluate the effect of feeding duration on performance and carcass
characteristics of growing pigs Each group consists of 18 pigs with initial average weight of 9.67±0.26 and was further replicated into 3 with 6 pigs per replicate. Data were collected on weekly basis and carcass characteristics were done at the end of 3rd and 5th months of feeding. Feed duration had significant (P<0.05) influence on final body weight, daily weight gain, Daily feed intake, water consumption and daily cost of feeding with higher values (54.17 kg, 349.42 g, 1.63 kg, 5.05 litres and N74.72), respectively recorded for pigs fed 80% ad libitum for 5 months. Higher values of bled weight (46. 78 kg) and carcass weight (35.44 kg) were noted for pigs fed 80% ad libitum for 5 months. Pigs fed 80% ad libitum for 5 months had higher value in head (12.42%), ham (14.40%), shoulder (13.92%) and feet (2.73%) weights compared to values documented for pigs fed ad libitum for 3 months. Better values for back fat thickness (0.43 cm) and fat-free index (49.69) were obtained among the pigs fed ad libitum for 3 months. Feeding duration greatly influenced performance and carcass parameters and should be used in improving the quality of carcass.
Key words: Feeding Duration, Ad Libitum, Pig, Performance, Carcass Characteristics