Effects of level of modified tall oil on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract

A growth trial was conducted to evaluate effects of increasing levels of modified tall oil (MTO) on growth performance and carcass composition of finishing barrows. No effect of treatment was observed for ADG, ADFI, or feed efficiency (F/G) during any of the growth periods. However, pigs fed increasing MTO had less backfat, larger longissimus muscle area, and increased percentage muscle than control pigs not fed MTO. Additionally, carcasses from pigs fed MTO had decreased drip loss. The results of this trial indicate that although MTO has no impact on growth performance in barrows, it can improve carcass leanness. The optimal dose level for the MTO appears to be about .50% of the diet.