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Effect of Diet and Exercise on Performance, Carcass Traits and Plasma Components of Growing-Finishing Barrows¹

University of Georgia^2,3, Tifton 31793-0748

Abstract

Twenty-four barrows (approximately 25 kg initial wt) were used in each of three 2 x 2 factorially arranged trials to study effects of exercise (not exercised vs walking 30 min/d, 6 d/wk on a treadmill) and diet (low energy vs high energy) on performance during the growing-finishing period. Average daily gain (ADG) of barrows not exercised was greater (P<.07) than that of those exercised. Barrows fed the high-energy diet had greater (P<.05) ADG, lower (P<.01) feed intake and lower (P<.01) feed-to-gain ratio than barrows fed low-energy diets. In trials 1 and 2, pigs were slaughtered when removed from test and selected carcass measurements and internal organ weights were obtained. Exercise did not significantly affect carcass length, backfat thickness, loin muscle area or lean cuts (as a percentage of off-test weight). Pigs fed the high-energy diet had more (P<.01) backfat than those fed the low-energy diet. Neither the exercise program nor the diet had a significant effect on organ weights. Pigs not exercised had a higher (P<.05) plasma albumin-to-globulin ratio and lower (P<.05) plasma creatinine concentration than did pigs that were exercised. Also, pigs not exercised had slightly higher (P<.08) plasma albumin and glucose, but lower (P<.06) plasma globulin levels. Pigs fed the low-energy diet had lower (P<.01) plasma lipids and cholesterol, lower (P<.05) total protein, glucose and albumin, but higher (P<.05) glutamic pyruvic transaminase than did those fed the high-energy diet. Plasma triglycerides also were lower (P<.07) for pigs fed the low-energy diet.

¹ Dept. of Anim. Sci.

² Supported by State and Hatch funds allocated to the Georgia Agr. Exp. Sta.

³ Coastal Plain Sta.