Author : Salayog, Freddie A.

Summary : Sixty commercial crossbred weanlings (30 barrows and 30 gilts) were used to determine the rate and economy of gain, carcass and lean cut yields and cost of producing and slaughtering low and high energy-fed hogs raised to 50,70,90,110 and 130 kg liveweight. The data were analyzed using a 2 x 5 factorial in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Low energy-fed hogs consumed significantly more feeds and were significantly older at slaughter time than the high energy fed hogs. Significant slaughter weight x energy level interactions were found on the total feed consumption and age of the animals at slaughter time. The average daily gain of hogs at different weights and levels of energy did not significantly differ. High-energy fed hogs were significantly more efficient than the low energy-fed hogs. Backfat thickness, carcass length, loin eye area and carcass yield significantly increased as the animals gained additional weights.