Swine

The Effect of Phytogenic and Acidifying Feed Additives on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Grow-Finish Pigs

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Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of phytogenic compounds and acidifiers on the growth and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs. Two hundred ninety-eight pigs were blocked by initial BW (28.3 ± 0.61 kg) and sex and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 15 pens per treatment. The dietary treatments were fed over 4 phases and consisted of: a negative control with no additives (NC), the NC with a blend of phytogenic compounds (PC), the NC with oregano essential oils (OEE), and the NC with blends of phytogenic compounds and acidifiers (PCA). Individual pig weights and feed disappearance were measured on d 0, 21, 48, 68, and prior to each of the 3 market cuts (d 103, 110, and 119). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (9.4) with pen as the experimental unit and treatment × sex × time and block as fixed effects. Hot carcass weight (HCW) was used as a covariate for carcass data. Overall, there were no differences among treatments for final BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency (P > 0.10). There was a difference in growth between sex, as barrows had greater final BW, ADG, and ADFI, but decreased feed efficiency compared to gilts (P < 0.05). Treatment did not affect HCW, dressing percentage (DP), backfat depth (BD), loin depth (LD), or lean percent (LP) (P > 0.10). Barrows had greater HCW and BD, with decreased LD and LP compared to gilts (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the experimental treatments (PC, OEE, and PCA) did not affect growth performance or carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs.

How to Cite:

Patience, J. F. & Ruckman, L. A., (2019) “The Effect of Phytogenic and Acidifying Feed Additives on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Grow-Finish Pigs”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 16(1). doi: https://doi.org//air.7242