0
Linear response (P<0.05) on the weight of stomach, colon, and liver were observed. Negative linear responses (P<0.05) on final BW and carcass yield relative to citrus pulp addition to the diet were observed. Although a negative linear effect (P<0.05) of increasing dietary levels of citrus pulp had been observed on ham weight, yield of this by product was not affected (P>0.05). Higher levels of citrus pulp neither decreased backfat thickness nor increased amount of lean meat, indicative that qualitative feed restriction was not efficient. Positive linear effect (P<0.05) on pH measured 24 hours after slaughter and negative linear effect (P<0.05) on color characteristics as function of citrus pulp dietary levels were verified.
Citrus pulp addition in qualitative feed restriction program may not be effective. As no deleterious effects upon meat qualities were observed, citrus pulp can be used as an alternative feedstuff for finishing swine.
Watanabe, P.H. et al. Carcass characteristics and meat quality of heavy swine fed different citrus pulp levels. Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. 2010. Vol. 62 (4): 921-924.
