J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1973. 36:79-85.
© 1973 American Society of Animal Science
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Evaluation of Dietary Protein Levels for Well-Muscled Hogs1

E. T. Kornegay2, H. R. Thomas3 and J. H. Carter3

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061 and Holland, Virginia 23391

Abstract

TWO similar trials using 320 crossbred pigs, averaging 17.2 kg initially, were conducted to evaluate the effect of various protein level sequences upon feedlot performance and carcass characteristics to 100 kg body weight. Protein level sequences formulated by varying corn and soybean meal were (% protein, respectively, for phases I, II and III): (1) 16-16-16, (2) 16-16-14, (3) 16-14-14, (4) 16-14-12, (5) 14-14-14, (6) 14-14-12, (7) 14-12-12, (8) 12-12-12. The schedule for protein level changes was: phase I, 15 to 34 kg; phase II, 34 to 68 kg; and phase III, 68 kg to market. Pigs were allowed feed and water ad libitum. During phases I and II average daily gain (ADG) was lower (P<.01) and feed/gain (F/G) was higher (P<.01) when pigs were fed lower protein levels. During phase III there was little difference in feedlot performance of pigs fed the various protein level sequences. Overall ADG was higher (P<.01) and the F/G was lowered (P<.05) for pigs fed protein level sequences 1 through 3 as compared to pigs fed sequences 4 through 6. Pigs fed sequences 1 through 6 had higher (P<.01) ADG and feed intake and lower (P<.01) F/G than pigs fed sequences 7 and 8. Pigs fed sequences 1 through 3 had larger (P<.05) loin-eyes and shorter (P<.05) carcasses than pigs fed sequences 4 through 6. The loin-eyes from pigs fed sequences 1 and 2 were larger (P<.01) than from pigs fed sequence 3. The amount of marbling in the loin-eyes from pigs fed sequences 6 through 8 was greater than from pigs fed sequences 1 through 5. Dressing percent, average backfat thickness and quality score were not different among pigs fed the various protein level sequences.

Footnotes

1 Appreciation is expressed to Charlie Babb and Carl Eure for caring for the animals, Dr. C. Y. Kramer for statistical analysis and Peter Gati for chemical analysis.

2 Department of Animal Science.

3 Tidewater Research Station.






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Copyright © 1973 by the American Society of Animal Science.