EFFECT OF AGE ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF 75 % LWY PIGS UNDER DIFFERENT FEEDING SYSTEM

A study was carried out with the objective to evaluate the effect of age on carcass characteristics of 75 % Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs under different feeding systems. Thirty weaned male piglets were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Piglets in Group I (Concentrate) and Group II (Swill) was maintained under intensive system of housing. The pigs were slaughtered hygienically as per the standard slaughter procedure at the slaughter unit of PGRIAS, Kattupakkam on 7 th , 8 th and 9 th month of age. There was a highly significant (P<0.01) difference in live weight, carcass and non-carcass components (liver, lungs, heart, spleen, stomach and intestine, abdominal fat, bristles etc.,) of both feeding system and age of slaughter. Group II had significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight and carcass weight than Group I. The pre-slaughter weight (kg) and hot carcass weight (kg) of Group II were 80±2.88, 84±4, 93.33±5.69 and 57.63±1.78, 61.39±4.11, 69.48±3.94 respectively; Group I were 60.3±1.33, 76.16±4, 78.354±4.42 and 43.69±0.92, 57.44±2.40, 60.39±3.60, respectively. Dressing percentage (%) and back fat thickness of Group I and II were increased significantly (P<0.01) increasing age of slaughter. Moreover higher dressing percentage (%) and lower back fat thickness noticed in Group I. The muscular development as indicated by loin eye area was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group I as compared to Group II. It is concluded that earlier slaughter age resulted in greater quality grades with lower dressing percentage.