Voluntary feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of crossbred (LWY X Desi) pigs

摘要

The influence of sex on voluntary feed intake was studied in 6 entire males, 6 castrated males and 6 females (Large White Yorkshire X Desi) weighing 12.5±0.2 kg; the experiment was continued until both groups of males were slaughtered at 60 kg; thefemales were retained for breeding. The feed provided (twice daily) was a standard starter and finisher ration with crude protein and digestible energy (kcal/kg) of 18.6 and 3052, and 14.7 and 2956, respectively. Any feed left after the animals had fed to appetite was removed and weighed. A table shows initial and final body weights, average daily weight gain, average daily feed consumed, feed/kg gain, and feed cost/kg gain in the 3 groups. Feed intake was highest in the castrated males and lowest in the females; entire males were more economical to rear than castrated males, and also produced leaner carcasses.