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Compensatory Growth in Finishing Pigs after Feed Restriction^1,2,

U.S. Department of Agriculture³, Clay Center, NE 68933

Abstract

Pigs weighing 48 and 66 kg in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, were fed a restricted amount of diet so that about 20% weight loss was incurred over a 3-wk period. During restriction, there was considerable loss of body fat in Exp. 1 as indicated by backfat depth, but in Exp. 2 there was little fat loss. There was loss of muscle mass and mass of several internal organs in Exp. 2 (not evaluated in Exp. 1). Beginning at 19 and 21 d in Exp. 1 (37 kg) and 2 (53 kg), respectively, pigs were refed ad libitum to 89 and 91 d, respectively. A comparable group of pigs was fed ad libitum from 1 d to 61 and 63 d, in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Refed pigs (RF) exhibited compensatory weight gain, but the rate was only slightly greater than that in pigs fed ad libitum (F). In Exp. 1, RF pigs ate considerably more than F pigs and were fatter, as indicated by ultrasonically determined backfat measurements. Comparative slaughter techniques were used in Exp. 2 so that estimates of muscle mass and internal organ weights could be obtained. In Exp. 2, RF pigs did not eat more than F pigs and were not fatter. The relatively small difference in starting weight and presumed subtle differences in body composition appear to have greatly influenced the physiological response to dietary restriction and subsequent refeeding so that differences in the composition of compensatory growth were observed in the two experiments.

¹ The authors express appreciation to Dr. R. N. Lindvall and T. W. Acton for management of swine, J. A. Dague for feeding animals and help with ultrasonic scanning, N. K. Cook and associates for slaughter of animals, D. A. Kohmetscher for measurement of carcasses, C. J. Smith for analysis of carcass cuts and D. L. Ochsner, L. J. Robinson, C. J. Smith and L-H. W. Yen for obtaining organ weights. Ultrasonic data were recorded by D. L. Oschsner, and excellent secretarial assistance was provided by M. M. Bierman. We are grateful to Dr. K. A. Leymaster for help in design and execution of Exp. 1.

² Mention of trade name, proprietary products or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the USDA and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.

³ USDA-ARS, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Anim. Res. Center, P.O. Box 166, Clay Center, NE 68933.

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