Housing temperature affects growth performance and carcass quality of pigs
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2002
Conference Title
Housing temperature affects growth performance and carcass quality of pigs
Keywords
temperature, pigs, carcass quality
Disciplines
Meat Science
Abstract
Pigs can be very sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. When heat stressed, a primary response in the pig is reduced appetite and therefore a reduction in voluntary food intake. Previous work has indicated that changes in food intake, induced by high ambient temperature, influenced growth performance and affected tissue distribution in the carcass (Trezona et al. 2002). It was hypothesised that pigs grown in a hot environment will eat less and be leaner at the same slaughter weight than pigs housed within their thermal comfort zone (TCZ). Pigs housed within their TCZ, but fed the same amount as eaten by pigs in a hot environment, will be the leanest because of a higher maintenance requirement to maintain body temperature, therefore less excess energy is available for fat deposition.
Recommended Citation
Trezona, M,
Williams, I H,
Noguiera, E T,
D'Souza, D N,
McCullough, S M,
Nicholls, R R,
and
Mullan, B P.
(2002), Housing temperature affects growth performance and carcass quality of pigs, Housing temperature affects growth performance and carcass quality of pigs, pp.S246.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/conf_papers/221
