The influence of the level of feeding of suckled pigs on subsequent performance during fattening

Abstract

SUMMARY: Four litters each containing six female pigs were used to compare the influence of the level of feeding of suckled pigs on subsequent weight gain and efficiency of feed conversion, and on carcass quality and ham composition.The high level pigs always remained on their dam until weaning at 56 days of age and had free access to a starter ration from the beginning of the 4th week of age. From 7 days of age until weaning the low plane pigs were removed from their dam for 12 hours per day and had no access to starter ration during this time. After weaning the pigs were fed ad libitum on dry feed.It was found that live-weight gain and feed conversion efficiency during fattening were increased by lowering the feed intake of pigs in the first weeks of life. There were no statistically significant differences between the different butcher's joints of the two groups. Although the differences were statistically non-significant, the ham of the low level pigs had a higher protein content (P = 0·06), a higher water content (P = 0·10), a lower fat content (P = 0·07) and a lower energy content (P = 0·12).