The early weaning of pigs VI. The effects of early weaning and of various growth curves before 50 lb. live weight upon subsequent performance and carcass quality

Abstract

The experiment involved nine litters, each containing four male and female pairs of pigs. At about 10 days of age the four pairs within each litter were randomized one to each of the following treatments. (1) Pigs left with their dams, weaned at 56 days old and then fed ad lib. until they each weighed 50 lb. (2) Pigs weaned at 10 days old and fed ad lib. until they each weighed 50 lb. (3) Pigs weaned at 10 days old, given restricted feed allowances so that they weighed 30 lb. at 56 days old, then fed ad lib. until they each weighed 50 lb. (4) Pigs weaned at 10 days old and given restricted feed allowances so that they weighed 30 lb. at 56 days old and 50 lb. at 90 days old. Between 50 lb. and slaughter at 205 lb. all pigs were kept to the same very high plane of feeding, which was based on live weight. All pigs were individually fed from weaning onwards.

Compensatory Responses to Short-Term Feed Restriction during the Growing Period in Swine

“…The mechanism for this increase in efficiency is not known. Lucas et al (1959) Elsley (1963, Wyllie et al (1969) and Webb and King (1979) also reported compensatory increases in efficiency following restriction of protein level or feed intake during the suckling or starter period. Interpretation of our results also suggests that compensatory responses are influenced by the severity of restriction and length of the restriction period as evidenced by the increased performance of pigs restricted to the 85% level for 4 wk compared to those restricted to the 70% level or for 2 wk.…”

“…Webb and King (1979) reported that weaning age and level of creep feeding altered subsequent performance of pigs in central testing stations. Rearing pigs along different growth curves before 56 d of age or 20 kg by altering feed intake has also been shown to cause compensatory responses in gain or efficiency during the growing and finishing stages (Lucas et al, 1959;Elsley, 1963;Nielsen, 846 JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, Vol. 56, No.…”

Progeny testing of bacon pigs at Wye college

“…For example, Lucas, Calder and Smith (1959) have indicated that checks in growth at weaning may influence carcass development. This procedure, although costly in accommodation and dependent on skilled labour for rearing, was likely to reduce substantially the differences in genetic constitution between the dams of test pigs.…”

Influence du poids à 10 jours et de l'âge à la castration des porcelets mâles sur la croissance et la qualité des carcasses à l'abattage

“…Par ailleurs, on a observé que plus la castration est tardive, plus l'épaisseur de lard à 100 kg est réduite (Charette, 1961;Jost, 1971;Domanski, 1973 (Knudson et al, 1985), est confirmée. Les (Lucas et al, 1959;Boaz et Elsley, 1962 …”