Effect of season of birth and energy levels of feed on production performance of pigs

Abstract

A detailed investigation was carried out to study the effect of season and level of energy intake on growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production of fattening pigs reared upto a slaughter weight of 90 kg. Thirty two weaner pigs of large white Yorkshire breed belonging to the University Pig Breeding Farm, Mannuthy born in two seasons were distributed under two dietary treatments. All animals were slaughtered on attaining the target weight of 90 kg. Animals born in season II were superior to animals born in season I in all the parameters like growth rate, feed efficiency, average daily gain and carcass characteristics. The energy level in the ration had a moderate influence on the performance of grower pigs. Animals on NRC level of feed were found to be better than animals on 15 per cent less than NRC levels in all the traits under study except for fat characteristics. The cost production per kg pork was found to be less (Rs 18.72) in NRC group. The overall results obtained during the course of present study is that the unit cost of production is less for animals maintained on NRC level of ration. Animals born in season II were found to be better than animals born in season I in production performances.