Ration scales and protein levels on performance of finishing pigs

Abstract

An experiment using 216 finishing Landrace x Large White barrows and crossbred gilts was conducted to determinate the effects of three quantities of rations: high level (9.28 Mcal DE/day), medium level (8.53 Mcal DE/day) and low level (8.16 Mcal DE/day), and two crude protein levels (16% and 13% PB). During the growing period all pigs received the same diet (16% PB, 3.35 Mcal DE/kg) ad libitum. During the finishing period starting at 59.76 ± 0.29 kg a randomized block design was utilized. Average daily gain (ADG decreased from medium to low scale (P<0.05), and no difference was observed from high to medium scale (P>0.05). The 16% PB level was better than 13% PB for ADG. An interaction (P<0.05) between scales and protein levels on feed gain ratio was observed. No significant effects (P>0.05) were observed on the carcass trait but protein levels promoted significant differences (P<0.05). Gilts had longer carcasses, less back fat and larger loin eye area than barrows. It was concluded that the best performance was achieved when pigs received the medium scale with 16% PB.