Dietary Alfalfa Meal for Genetically Obese and Lean Growing Pigs: Effect on Body Weight Gain and on Carcass and Gastrointestinal Tract Measurements and Blood Metabolites

TL;DRAbstract

Twenty-four barrows from each of three genetic groups-lean (L), obese (O) and contemporary (C)-were assigned randomly within genetic group at 8 weeks of age to one of two corn-soybean meal-type diets (0 or 20% alfalfa meal) and fed ad libitum to slaughter at 96 kilograms. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded, and blood samples were collected at 4-week intervals for serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride determinations. Live backfat measurements were taken before slaughter, and carcass length and cross-sectional area of the longissimus muscle were measured after slaughter. Weight of the empty stomach, small intestine, cecum and colon and length of the small intestine were recorded for all pigs. Alfalfa meal decreased daily body weight gain (P<.01) and increased feed to gain ratio (P<.01) in all genetic groups. Differences between genetic groups existed in backfat (0>L=C), carcass length and longissimus muscle area (0<L=C). There were no diet × genetic group interactions f

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