Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate utilization of fibrous diet based upon grass hay to reduce cost of production and its effects on swine performance and carcass characteristics of 50 crossbred swine during post weaning (26 animals) and growing/finishing phases (24 animals). The animals were fed ad libitum with isoproteic and isoenergetic diets containing either 0 or 8% of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), obtained through the inclusion of 0 or 10% of Tifton hay (Cynodon dacytlon). At the end of both periods, animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics and yield of cuts evaluated. The diet containing 8% of NDF had no effects on body weight, the weight gain and the feed conversion, the loin eye area and the yield: hot and chilled carcasses and lean meat, except for the pork leg yield in the post weaning phase. However, this diet favored backfat thickness reduction. It was concluded that the carcass characteristics were not altered, interesting aspect for the slaughter industry. KEY WORDS: Hay, meat, neutral detergent fiber yield.
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