Evaluation of the growth performance and carcass characteristics of commercial pigs produced in Quebec

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 495-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Hammell ◽  
J. P. Laforest ◽  
J. J. Dufour

Data for a total of approximately 2900 commercial pigs tested in 12 trials from 1987 to 1990 at the Beaumont test station in Quebec were used to determine the effect of sex, sire breed, cross type and parity number of the dam on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were housed four to a pen and were fed commercial diets. Feed intake and growth rate were measured during the test, and carcass measurements were taken at slaughter and at 24 or 72 h following slaughter. Castrated males ate more per day, had a better gain and reached slaughter weight (96.4 ± 5.6 kg) at a younger age than gilts. Gilts had a better carcass yield and were leaner than castrated males. Commercial pigs sired from Duroc or Duroc–Hampshire boars had a growth performance superior to that of pigs sired by Landrace, Yorkshire or Hampshire boars. Progeny from Duroc or Duroc–Hampshire boars also produced carcasses with less loin fat, a thicker loin muscle, a higher estimated lean yield and a better classification index. Pigs from three-way crosses had a higher average daily gain and a better feed conversion than pigs from other types of crosses (single, backcross, four-way, synthetic and purebred), and they reached market weight at a younger age. Most carcass characteristics were also affected by the type of cross, but no specific type of cross was clearly superior to the others for the various variables studied. An increase in parity number of the dam caused a gradual decrease in growth performance, except for pigs from parity six, which presented the best results. There was also a linear decrease in loin muscle thickness, estimated lean yield and classification index and a linear increase in loin fat thickness with increase in parity number of the dam. Key words: Pig, growth performance, carcass composition

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Hammell ◽  
J. P. Laforest

Data for a total of approximately 1100 lambs tested in 12 trials from 1992 to 1995 in commercial lamb test stations in Quebec were used to determine the effect of sex, sire breed and genetic type on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Lambs were housed two to a pen and fed commercial diets. Maximum test length was 112 d. Lambs were slaughtered when their liveweight was approximately 47 ± 5 kg for the males and 43 ± 4 kg for the females. Feed intake and growth rate were measured during the test, and carcass measurements were taken at slaughter and at 24 h following slaughter. Feed intake was the average for the pen, while the growth and carcass measurements were taken individually. Males ate more per day, had better gain and were younger at slaughter than females. Females had more body fat and better carcass conformation scores than males. However, males did not have a greater loin muscle thickness compared to females. Lambs sired by Hampshire or Suffolk rams had superior growth performance and leaner carcasses than lambs sired by Dorset rams. However, Hampshire and Suffolk-sired lambs did not have a greater loin muscle thickness compared to Dorset-sired lambs. Analysis of different genetic types did not demonstrate a pronounced effect on lamb performance. No specific genetic composition was clearly superior to the others for the various variables studied. Genetic quality within a breed of sheep bought or kept for reproduction is as important as the choice of breed or the combination of breeds. Key words: Lamb, growth performance, carcass composition


2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
pp. 2100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don V. Nguyen ◽  
Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli ◽  
Peter D. Nichols ◽  
Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of enriched omega-3 oil supplemental pellets, breed and gender on lamb liveweight (LWT), body conformation and carcass characteristics, and to assess the relationships between body conformation and growth under an intensive finishing condition. Sixty ewe and wether prime lambs 7 months old were randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments: no oil inclusion (Control); 2.5% canola oil; 5% canola oil; 2.5% flaxseed oil and 5% flaxseed oil, balanced by breed (purebred Merinos (M × M) and Corriedale × Merino (C × M) and White Suffolk × Corriedale (W × C) first crosses). Lambs were individually supplemented with 1 kg pellets per day and had free access to lucerne hay and water throughout the 7-week feeding trial, after a 3-week adaptation. Dietary oil inclusion did not cause significant differences in daily feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). However, first-cross W × C lambs had significantly higher feed intake, chest girth and body conformation score (P < 0.05) than M × M and C × M lambs. Carcass weight, dressing percentage and fat depth of crossbred lambs were significantly higher than those of M × M (P < 0.05). Significant interactions between oil inclusion and breed on average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were observed. There were positive and highly significant correlations among LWT, ADG and body conformation measurements (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that prime lamb producers can better manage and match their breeding goals with feed resources by supplementing first-cross C × M lambs with pellets containing 5% canola oil or feeding first-cross W × C lambs with 5% flaxseed oil pellets during the 10-week intensive finishing period.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maggy Palesa Mabena ◽  
Moses Ratsaka ◽  
Thobela Nkukwana ◽  
Ingrid Malebana ◽  
Douglas Nkosi

Abstract This experiment evaluated varying levels of Amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake (ANC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in pigs. Thirty Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) pigs were stratified by weight (average live weight of 20 ± 5 kg) and randomly allocated to the five experimental diets that contained 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 g ANC/kg DM. Each pig served as a replicate unit, housed individually. Bodyweight, feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly throughout the trial period. On completion of the growth trial, following a 3-day adaptation, a nutrient digestibility study was conducted over 5 days. Thereafter, pigs were fasted for twelve hours, weighed, slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected for analysis. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment, but ADGs were reduced at ANC levels > 15%, resulting in poor FCR. Protein digestibility was reduced at ANC levels > 15%, while ether extract and fibre levels increased. Warm and cold carcass weights were lower at ANC levels > 15, with improved meat redness and lightness. It was concluded that ANC could replace SBM in the diet of growing pigs at less than 15% inclusion level.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 878-883
Author(s):  
Fatma Boubekeur ◽  
Rafik Arbouche ◽  
Yasmine Arbouche ◽  
Fodil Arbouche

Background and Aim: The rearing of quails can have a stronger attraction for the breeders if we lower the cost prices by introducing by-products in their feed formulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the partial substitution of soybean meal by apricot kernel cake (AKC) in the diet of quails, applied either sequentially or during all phases of rearing, on their growth performances, carcass characteristics, and meat physicochemical composition. Materials and Methods: A total of 600 one-day-old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with equal sex ratio and weighing on average 7±0.2 g, were randomly distributed in one control group and three experimental groups, the latter being designed according to the rate of application of AKC in either sequential or non-sequential mode in different rearing phases. Each group was divided into five replicates of 30 quails, randomly distributed according to either substitution rate of soybean meal by the AKC (0%, 10%, 20%, or 30%) or farming phase. Results: The average daily gain from the 1st to 45th days (average daily gain1–45d) was found to be the highest (4.24 g/d/subject, p=0.021) for the 30% AKC-supplemented feed lot in either starter or finish incorporation (DFTAA), having an optimum final live weight of 193.4 g (p=0.028), a lowest feed conversion ratio of 3.08 (p=0.001), and a daily feed intake of 860 g (p=0.01). Carcass yield was recorded the highest (74.4%, p=0.02) with an optimum meat protein level (30.6%, p=0.024) and the lowest fat content (2.26%, p=0.001) for the same group as well. Conclusion: The partial substitution of soybean meal by AKC in the quails' fattening feeding, during the finishing phase and for all rearing phases, led to a better growth performance, a better carcass yield, and an improved chemical composition of meat.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau Aymerich ◽  
Carme Soldevila ◽  
Jordi Bonet ◽  
Mercè Farré ◽  
Josep Gasa ◽  
...  

Abstract The main goals of this study were to determine whether boars and gilts respond differently to the standardized ileal digestible lysine to net energy ratio (SID Lys:NE) and model the response to optimize growth performance. A total of 780 finishing pigs, 390 boars and 390 gilts [Pietrain NN × (Landrace × Large White)], with an initial individual body weight of 70.4 ± 9.2 for boars and 68.7 ± 8.0 kg for gilts, were used in a 41-d dose–response experiment. Pens (13 pigs per pen) were randomly allocated to a dietary treatment (2.64, 3.05, 3.46, 3.86, 4.27 g SID Lys/Mcal NE) by block and sex, with six replicates per treatment and sex. Two isoenergetic diets (2,460 kcal NE/kg), representing the extreme SID Lys:NE, were formulated and then mixed. Pigs were individually weighed at days 0, 22, and 41, when the experiment finished. The differential effect of SID Lys:NE on growth performance and carcass composition between sexes was analyzed with orthogonal polynomial contrasts to compare the linear and quadratic trends in each sex. In addition, broken-line linear (BLL) models to optimize average daily gain (ADG), including average daily feed intake (ADFI) as a covariate, were fitted when possible. As expected, boars had a greater ADG and feed efficiency (G:F; P &lt; 0.001) than gilts, but there was no evidence of differences in ADFI (P = 0.470). Increasing SID Lys:NE had a greater linear impact on boars ADG (P = 0.087), G:F (P = 0.003), and carcass leanness (P = 0.032). In contrast, gilts showed a greater linear increase in SID Lys intake per kg gain (P &lt; 0.001) and feed cost per kg gain (P = 0.005). The best fitting BLL models showed that boars maximized ADG at 3.63 g SID Lys/Mcal NE [95% confidence interval (CI): (3.32 to 3.94)], although another model with a similar fit, compared with the Bayesian information criterion, reported the optimum at 4.01 g SID Lys/Mcal NE [95% CI: (3.60, 4.42)]. The optimum to maximize ADG for gilts was estimated at 3.10 g SID Lys/Mcal NE [95% CI: (2.74, 3.47)]. Thus, the present study confirmed that boars and gilts have a different linear response to SID Lys:NE, explained by the greater protein deposition potential of boars. Likewise, BLL models indicated that boars require a higher SID Lys:NE to maximize ADG from 70 to 89 kg. These results suggest that split feeding of finishing boars and gilts could be beneficial in terms of both performance and cost return.


2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
J. Wang ◽  
K. Cui ◽  
T. Ma ◽  
F. Zhang ◽  
S.-Q. Wang ◽  
...  

Twelve pairs of male twin lambs were used to assess the effects of dietary methionine (Met) deficiency followed by replenishment on lamb growth performance and carcass characteristics. All lambs were weaned at 7 days of age and divided into the Control (CON) group and Met deficiency (MD) group. From 8 to 56 days of age, the lambs in the CON group were fed a milk replacer and starter feed containing 0.91% and 0.60% Met, respectively, whereas the lambs in the MD group were fed with a milk replacer and starter feed containing 0.21% and 0.20% Met, respectively. All lambs were fed a starter feed containing 0.60% Met from 57 to 84 days of age. Six twin pairs were slaughtered at 56 and 84 days of age, and their organ weights and carcass traits were measured. During 8 to 56 days of age, the Met-deficient diet decreased (P &lt; 0.05) Met intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, shrunk bodyweight, empty bodyweight, hot carcass weight, and the apparent digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fibre; however, no differences were detected in dressing percentage or in the percentage of visceral organ weight to shrunk bodyweight between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). During the follow-up Met replenishment stage, no differences in growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and percentages of visceral organs to shrunk bodyweight were found between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Met deficiency in early life retarded the growth and development of lambs. Growth rate was not retarded during the 28 days of subsequent Met replenishment, but the difference in bodyweight between the groups remained.


2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Stanford ◽  
J. L. Aalhus ◽  
M. E. R. Dugan ◽  
G. L. Wallins ◽  
R. Sharma ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the effects of including meal from glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup-Ready®) canola (RRC) in barley-based diets for lambs on apparent digestibility of the diets, growth performance of the lambs, and carcass quality and composition. Four isonitrogenous diets were prepared that included canola meal [6.5%, dry matter (DM) basis] from four different sources (two commercially available canola blends, COM1 and COM2; a transgenic line, RRC and the parental non-transgenic line from which RRC was derived, PAR). Apparent digestibilities of the four diets were determined using eight mature wethers (67.8 ± 2.3 kg) in a replicated Latin square with four 21-d periods. No aspect of digestibility (DM, fibre, or nitrogen balance) was influenced by canola source. The growth trial involved 60 early-weaned Arcott lambs (30 ewes; 30 wethers; initial age approximately 2 mo; initial weight 21.5 ± 1.0 kg). The lambs were blocked by weight and gender for assignment to treatments, and fed the diets until reaching or exceeding 45 kg body weight. Intake of DM was similar among lambs fed COM1, COM2 and PAR diets, and between PAR and RRC (COM1, COM2 > RRC, P < 0.05). Diet did not affect (P > 0.05) average daily gain or feed efficiency. Carcass yield grade was higher (P < 0.05) for COM1 and COM2 diets than for PAR or RRC, although carcass composition did not differ (P > 0.05) between PAR and RRC. Canola source did not affect (P > 0.05) meat tenderness, as determined by shear force, drip loss or intramuscular fat content. Meat colour o f RRC-fed lambs did not differ from that of all other treatment groups. In this study, including canola meal prepared from glyphosate-tolerant canola did not alter diet digestibility, feed efficiency, growth performance, carcass characteristics or meat quality of lambs. Key words: Growth, lambs, meat quality, ruminant, transgenic canola


2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. R. Caine ◽  
J. L. Aalhus ◽  
M. E. R. Dugan ◽  
K. A. Lien ◽  
I. L. Larsen ◽  
...  

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and pork quality were evaluated for pigs fed barley and wheat-based diets, which included meal from conventional or transgenic glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup-Ready®) canola. One hundred and forty-four pigs (72 gilts and 72 barrows) weighing 30 ± 3 kg were assigned, three to a pen, on the basis of gender and weight to receive one of four dietary treatments formulated using canola meal from two commercial sources (COM1 and COM2), non-transgenic parental control (PCC) or transgenic (RRC) canola. Pigs were fed a grower diet (75 g kg-1 canola meal) until 60.5 ± 4.0 kg and then a finishing diet (150 g kg-1 canola meal) to 108.6 ± 7.3 kg at slaughter. Pigs receiving the COM1 and COM2 diets had an overall higher (P < 0.0001) daily feed intake (DFI) compared with pigs fed the PCC and RRC diets. Corresponding average daily gain (ADG) was also increased (P = 0.02) for COM1-fed pigs, although feed conversion efficiencies (FCE) of the pigs were similar (P > 0.05) among diets. Gilts had lower overall DFI (P < 0.0001), ADG (P < 0.0001) and FCE (P = 0.04) compared with barrows. Pigs receiving the PCC and RRC diets had heavier (P = 0.002) liver weights than those pigs fed the COM1 and COM2 diets (2.06 and 2.05 kg vs. 1.95 and 1.96 kg, respectively). Postmortem decline in pH and temperature of the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle from pigs were not different (P > 0.05) among the dietary treatments. Characteristics of pork quality for the LT muscle, which included objective colour and shear force were also not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary source of canola meal. Gross composition of commercial pork cuts were similar (P > 0.05) among the dietary treatments with the exception of small differences for intermuscular (P = 0.04) and body cavity (P = 0.02) fat in the picnic cut and body cavity (P = 0.02) fat in the loin cut. Differences in DFI, ADG and liver weights of the pigs may be related to higher content of antinutritional glucosinolates (µmoles g-1) in the PCC (20.20) and RRC (15.04) varieties compared with COM1 (7.55) and COM2 (7.46) sources of canola meal. Key words: Transgenic canola, growth, pork quality, pigs


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.L. Seshoka ◽  
P.J. Fourie ◽  
A.T. Kanengoni ◽  
I.M.M. Malebana ◽  
R.S. Thomas ◽  
...  

In this experiment, the effects were evaluated of various dietary inclusion levels of avocado oil cake (AOC) silage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics in pigs. A mixture of 70% AOC, 25% wheat bran, and 5% sugarcane molasses was ensiled in 200 L drums for 90 days. It was then incorporated at 0%, 3% and 5% in the experimental diets. Twenty-seven Large White cross Landrace (LW x LR) weaner pigs, with an average live weight of 22 kg, were stratified by weight and randomly allocated to the three experimental diets (9 pigs/diet). Pigs were weighed individually each week throughout the trial. Daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rates (FCRs) were recorded. A nutrient digestibility study was carried out on completion of the growth trial. At the end of the experiment, pigs were fasted for twelve hours and weighed to determine the final weight. The pigs were then slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected and analysed. The growth performance of pigs was not affected by diet, irrespective of fibre levels in the AOC silage. However, the addition of 3% AOC silage improved the digestibility of fibre fractions. The weights of the cold carcass, chops, and backfat thickness were reduced with AOC silage addition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. e0613
Author(s):  
Souha Tibaoui ◽  
Hadhami Hajji ◽  
Samir Smeti ◽  
Ilyes Mekki ◽  
Ines Essid ◽  
...  

Aim of study: Cull ewes are characterized by poor body condition, low body weights and tough meat texture. This work aimed to investigate the effect of distillated myrtle leaves (MDL) intake on body weight (BW) gain; carcass characteristics and meat quality of Barbarine cull ewes.Area of study: Northwest of TunisiaMaterial and methods: 27 Barbarine ewes were assigned into 3 groups receiving 500 g of oat hay and 750 g of concentrate control group (C), while they were given concentrate and pellets, containing 87% MDL, as substitute to hay in MHay group; for MConc group, they were fed hay, concentrate and pellets containing 30% MDL in partial substitution to concentrate. At the end of the fattening period (90 days), ewes were slaughtered.Main results: The dry matter intake was higher (p<0.05) for MConc and C groups. The average daily gain was significantly higher for C and MConc than MHay groups (113 and 107 vs. 87 g, respectively). Ewes fed MHay and MConc had a significantly lower feed conversion rate than Control group (12.5 vs. 15.4). Dietary treatment had no significant effect on carcass joint’s weight and proportions. The dressing percentage and carcass tissue composition were similar for all groups. The ultimate pH, water cooking loss and color parameters values were unaffected by the type of diet.Research highlights: These findings revealed that MDL could substitute, in ewes feeding, up to 87% to hay or up to 30% to concentrate without negative effects on body weight, carcass characteristics and meat quality.


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