264 Evaluation of in-Barn Feeder Management Prior to Marketing to Reduce Feed Cost and Improve Carcass Yield and Economic Return

Abstract

Abstract A total of 695 mixed sex growing-finishing pigs (110.1 ± 0.62 kg) were allotted in a randomized complete block design and assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (24 pens/treatment; 9-10 pigs/pen). Treatments consisted of a total of 12, 18, or 24 h (including transportation and lairage) of feed withdrawal prior to harvest to determine its effects on carcass weight (HCW), carcass yield, and economics of pigs marketed at two different marketing events (3 heaviest pigs/pen marketed 14-d prior to final marketing of all remaining pigs). There was no evidence of differences (P≥0.10) on growth performance during the 14-d period between the first and final marketing event. However, for pig BW at time of loadout, pigs with 24h of feed withdrawal prior to harvest were lighter (P < 0.05) then those with 12h of feed withdrawal at the first marketing event and overall. For carcass characteristics, pigs at final marketing with 12h of feed withdrawal prior to harvest had increased (P < 0.05) HCW compared with those with 24h of feed withdrawal, leading to a tendency (P=0.055) for increased HCW overall for the combined marketing events (0.5 kg heavier). When evaluating carcass yield using live weights at 24h prior to harvest, pigs in the final marketing group with 12h of feed withdrawal prior to harvest had greater yield (P < 0.05) than those marketed with 24h of feed withdrawal; however, using live weights 12h prior to harvest to calculate yield, pigs with 24h of feed withdrawal prior to harvest had increased yield (P < 0.05) compared with those marketed with 12h of feed withdrawal for both marketing events. There were no differences in backfat, loin depth, and percentage lean between treatments (P>0.10). In conclusion, carcass yield was affected by time of feed withdrawal prior to harvest with greater HCW for pigs with 12h compared with 24h of feed withdrawal.