Effects of addition of mesquite pod meal to diets for finishing swine

Abstract

The effects of addition of different mesquite (Phosopis juliflora (SW.) DC.) pod meal (MPM) level's to isoproteinous and isoenergetic rations on the performance and carcass characteristics of finishing swine were evaluated. Thirty-two half-breed Landrace x Large-White pigs weighing 54.14 kg were utilized. The experimental design was, made up completely of randomized blocks with four MPM levels (0,10, 20 and 30%) added to corn and soybean meal and four replications. MPM chemical composition was: 89.29% dry matter; 8.02% crude protein; 9.57% crude fiber; 0.71% ether extract; 0.29% Ca; and 0.17% P. Regression analysis showed a decreasing linear MPM level effect (P < 0,05) on both body weight gain and ration intake. With regard to carcass characteristics, increasing linear MPM level effects (P < 0.05) and (P < 0.01) were detected on backfat thickness and meat/fat ratio, respectively. On an economic basis, MPM use is not recommended with suplementation of soybean oil in diets for finishing swine.