Abstract

ARCE VAZQUEZ, Néstor et al. Effect of wet feeding of finishing pigs on production performance, carcass composition and meat quality. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.2, pp.370-385.  Epub Nov 15, 2021. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12i2.5582.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of feeding finishing pigs with a wet diet (feed:water, 1:1), versus a dry diet based on sorghum and soybean meal (15.0% CP, 3,200 kcal ME/kg DM), on the productive behavior, carcass composition and meat quality. Sixteen (York-Landrace x Duroc) crossbred pigs weighing 68.4 ± 2.4 kg were individually housed and assigned to two treatments (n= 8 replicates per treatment): DF, dry feed; WF, wet feed. Feed was offered daily in two equal portions (0800 and 1500 h) for 5 wk. Individual live weight (LW) and feed consumption were recorded every week in order to calculate the daily weight gain (DWG) and feed efficiency (FE). The carcass composition was measured; the meat quality was assessed in samples of Longissimus dorsi. Wet-fed pigs had higher (P<0.05), final LW (108.4 vs 101.9 kg), and DWG (1.043 vs. 0.990 kg/day) than dry-fed pigs. DF pigs had lower intake (wk 5) and feed efficiency (FE) (by wk 3) than WF pigs (Treatment x Week Interaction, P<0.05). WF pigs had greater leg and hot and cold carcass weights (P<0.05). The weight of the loin, ribs, and shoulder, and the protein content, water holding capacity, and pH of meat were similar (P>0.05) between treatments. The hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and toughness values were lower (P<0.05) in meat from WF pigs. In conclusion, the wet-fed pigs had better productive performance, carcass composition and meat characteristics than the dry-fed pigs.

Keywords : Wet feed; Dry feed; Finishing pigs; Carcass measurement.

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