Effect of Varying Levels of Fiber of Different Sources upon Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Swine2

Abstract

Feed lot performance and carcass characteristics were studied with 108 growing-fattening pigs fed a series of rations containing 0, 20 and 40% oats; 0, 20 and 40% wheat bran; and 0, 10 and 20% alfalfa meal. There were no significant differences in feed lot performance or carcass characteristics between pigs fed rations containing 0, 20 and 40% oats. There was a non-significant decrease in rate of gain and backfat thickness as alfalfa meal was increased in the ration. There was a significant decrease in rate of gain, feed efficiency, dressing percentage and percent of fat trim in pigs fed a ration containing 40% wheat bran. This was accompanied by a similar increase in lean and primal cuts (carcass basis).