Indian Journal of Animal Research
Chief EditorK.M.L. Pathak
Print ISSN 0367-6722
Online ISSN 0976-0555
NAAS Rating 6.50
SJR 0.263
Impact Factor 0.4 (2024)
Chief EditorK.M.L. Pathak
Print ISSN 0367-6722
Online ISSN 0976-0555
NAAS Rating 6.50
SJR 0.263
Impact Factor 0.4 (2024)
Effect of sex on growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics in cross bred pigs
Submitted06-07-2015|
Accepted20-06-2016|
First Online 28-01-2017|
A study was carried on 24 piglets (Large White York Shire × Desi) of an average initial weight of 20 kg of three gender groups, barrows, boars and gilts consisted of eight pigs each, of comparable body weight fattened from 20-48 kilograms (growing) to 49-96 kilograms (finishing) to see the effect of gender on growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass traits. When comparing feed intake at the growing stage, gilts consumed significantly more (P<0.05) feed than boars and barrows. There was no significant difference in average daily weight gain among barrows, boars and gilts in growing and finishing stage. Gilts had significantly higher (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio than boars in growing period and barrows in finishing period. Nutrient digestibility was similar except crude protein among groups. Fasting weight and weight after bleeding was significantly lower (P<0.05) in gilts with nonsignificant difference between barrows and boars. Sex has no significant effect on evisceration weight, dressing percentage and carcass length in pigs. Carcass backfat of barrows was significantly thicker (P<0.05) than that of boars and gilts, however, the loin eye area was significantly larger (P<0.05) in gilts than boars and barrows. There were no significant differences among groups concerning the proportions of ham, under cut, bacon and rib chop however, shoulder and loin percentages were higher (P<0.05) in gilts than boars and barrows.
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