The nutritional level in the production of heavy-weight swine: effects on principal zootechnical provisions
Bitti, F.R.; Falaschini, A.F.; Cavani, C.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 51(9-10): 546-551
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 1203125 Document Number: 93652
Starting at about 48 kg 7 groups of 12 Large White barrows were fattened to about 150 kg. Feeding plan was for A 8% of metabolic weight, W0.75, throughout, for B 8% of W0.75 to 100 kg then 28% of W0.47 to 150 kg, C 28% of W0.47 throughout, D 3% of liveweight throughout, E, F, G, to appetite to 100 kg then 28% of W0.47, 8% of W0.75 or 3% of liveweight to the end. Actual daily intakes were from 1.5 to 1.75 kg or to appetite at the start and reached 4.5 kg with 3% liveweight at the end. Feeding to appetite gave greater gains during the first phase than restriction, without any deterioration in efficiency of utilization of feed. Restriction to 8% of W0.75 (A, B) was too severe and gave poor growth and efficiency, which were better with less restriction, 28% of W0.47 (C). Growth and efficiency after 100 kg were affected by ration before, and there was a clear indication of compensatory growth; overall early restriction to 8% of W0.75 followed by 28% of W0.47 was best. Continuous restriction to 3% of liveweight throughout also gave good results. Groups did not differ in carcass yield or viscera.