Effects of continual fluctuation in feed intake on growth performance response and carcass fat-to-lean ratio in grower-finisher pigs1

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of continual fluctuations in feed intake on grower-finisher pig growth performance and carcass fat-to-lean ratio (F:L). Sixty individually housed female pigs (Landrace × Large White) with initial BW of 29.8 ± 0.4 kg were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 feeding regimens (n = 15): 1) ad libitum throughout (AL); 2) 85% of the mean intake of the AL group during the previous week (R); 3) 70% of the mean intake on 1 d, and on the following day, 100% of the amount consumed by the AL group during the preceding week, with this pattern repeated every 2 d throughout (D); and 4) 70% of the mean intake for 3 consecutive days, and 100% of the amount consumed by the AL group for the next 3 d, with this pattern repeated throughout the experiment (3-D). Pigs receiving each treatment were fed the same diets during the weaner (10 to 20 kg), grower (20 to 50 kg), finisher 1 (50 to 70 kg), and finisher 2 (70 kg to slaughter at approximately 104 kg) growth phases. Pigs receiving fluctuated feed intake either by the D or 3-D feeding regimen showed a pattern of growth similar to that of pigs on the R feeding regimen. Pigs on the R and 3-D regimens were lighter at 28 d (P < 0.05) and pigs on the R, D, and 3-D regimens were lighter at 63 d (P < 0.05) than pigs on the AL regimen. Pigs on the R, D, or 3-D feeding regimens had a greater G:F between 15 to 42 d of the experiment than pigs fed AL throughout (P < 0.05). The R, D, and 3-D feeding regimens seemed to have some effect on carcass weight and dressing percentage, and pigs had a decreased P2 (located 65 mm from the midline of the carcass at the last thoracic rib) backfat depth (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed AL. Pigs on the AL and 3-D feeding regimens had thicker subcutaneous fat at the last lumbar vertebrae on the dorsal edge of the loin than pigs on the R feeding regimen (P < 0.05). Carcass and visceral fat content and the F:L in the carcass and primal cuts, as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, were not different among treatments. However, pigs on the AL and 3-D feeding regimens had decreased estimated bone content in the carcass compared with pigs on the R and D feeding regimens (P < 0.05). The results indicated that continual fluctuation in feed intake either every other day or every 3 d had minimal effects on growth and carcass F:L compared with pigs fed the same restricted amount throughout the experiment.

Effect of Two-step Time-restricted Feeding on the Fattening Traits in Geese

“…These results were consistent with the results of previous study (Ho et al, 2014). The results also agreed with the earlier reports that described the effects of restricted feeding during the fattening period on the growth rate and FE in broilers (Benyi and Habi, 1998; Svihus et al, 2010) and pigs (Mullan et al, 2009). The reduction of heat production caused by restricted feeding (MacLeod et al, 1979; Lovatto et al, 2006) may partially account for the superior FE.…”

“…The result was further confirmed by the results of Group R1 in this study. The leaner carcass was also found in broilers (Benyi and Habi, 1998; Ocak and Sivri, 2008) and pigs (Mullan et al, 2009) that experienced restricted feeding during the fattening period. Both quantity-restricted feeding and time-restricted feeding during the late growing period of broilers increased the relative entire gut and liver weights, compared with the control feeding (Ocak and Sivri, 2008).…”

The effects of feeding time and time-restricted feeding on the fattening traits of White Roman geese

“…This is most likely the result of the low sex hormone levels in immature geese. The low relative abdominal and visceral fat weights observed for the restricted group in this study have been reported for broilers (Benyi and Habi, 1998;Ocak and Sivri, 2008) and pigs (Mullan et al, 2009) that underwent restricted feeding during the fattening period. However, time-restricted feeding resulted in comparatively higher liver and empty digestive tract weights in this study.…”

“…A low weight gain and high FE caused by restricted feeding during the fattening period has also been observed in broilers (Benyi and Habi, 1998;Svihus et al, 2010) and pigs (Mullan et al, 2009). The superior FE caused by timerestricted feeding may be attributable to low-maintenance requirements or efficient nutrient utilization.…”

Effect of feeding restriction on growth and dressing percentages in Mexican hairless pig

“…They observed a reduction of 30 % in growth rate of those pigs. Similar results have been described in several research reports (Bee et al 2002;Mullan et al 2009). These findings pointed out that daily weight gain reduces consistently to the feed intake restriction.…”