Growth Performance, Back Fat Thickness and Loin Eye Area Measurements of Growing Pigs Fed with Different Energy Sources

Abstract

Twenty-four crossbred pigs were used to determine the performance characteristics, back fat thickness and loin eye area measurement of growing pigs fed different energy sources. Four energy sources tested were: Maize, Wheat, Sorghum and Unpeeled Cassava root meal. Six pigs per treatment were housed individually in an open sided pen. Animals were fed ad- libitum feed and water. Feed intake and body weight were taken on a weekly basis. After 10 weeks of rearing, the pigs were slaughtered using standard procedure, and carcass measurements, back fat, and longissimus measurements were taken. The back fat thickness was measured at the first and the last rib, the measurements on the loin eye muscle were taken with the aid of a venier caliper and fat measurement (at P1, P2 & P3) from the mid-line of back at the last rib along the right split carcass was taken with a ruler and tape rule. There were no significant difference (p>0.05) in final body weight, total weight gain, total feed intake, weight gain per day, feed intake per day and feed conversion ratio. The diets had no significant (p>0.05) effects on back fat at first rib , last rib, A, B, P1, P2, P3, dressing percentage and carcass percentage. Results from this study indicate that sorghum, whole cassava diet and wheat had no negative effect on the growth performance of growing pigs; and hence can replace maize at any level in the diet of growing pigs.