Carcass Characteristics of Swine as Influenced by Levels of Protein Fed on Pasture and in Dry Lot

Abstract

One hundred and sixty growing-finishing pigs were fed 12% and 14% protein rations on pasture and in dry lot. The pigs fed in dry lot made significantly greater gains and required significantly more feed per pound of gain than the pigs fed on pasture. The level of protein did not significantly affect the average daily gain or feed conversion. The protein level × management system (pasture and dry lot) interaction was not statistically significant for rate of gain and feed conversion. Ten barrows were randomly selected from each of the four experimental treatments and slaughtered. Those fed on pasture had a slightly thinner backfat and less estimated carcass fat than those fed in dry lot. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Level of protein did not significantly affect dressing percentage, carcass length, backfat thickness or estimated carcass lean or fat.