Effect of Energy-Protein Restriction and Sex of the Animal on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Carcass Traits in Cross-bred Pigs

In a completely randomized design, 24 (LWY x Desi) cross-bred pigs (15.47kg±1.12) were made into 4 groups to contain 6 males each in group 1 and 3 and 6 females each in group 2 and 4 respectively. A basal diet was fed to all the animals. Groups 1 and 2 had ad lib access to feed (AL) and groups 3 and 4 had feed restriction (FR) up to 20 percent. Nutrient digestibility, growth performance and carcass traits were studied. During growth phase the digestibility of DM, OM and CP were higher (P<0.01) for AL fed pigs compared to FR group and during the finisher phase none were found significant. Average daily gain (g) during grower phase and average daily feed intake (kg) during finisher phase were found to be significant (P<0.05) Carcass length of female groups were shorter (P<0.01) than that of males. It was concluded that a considerable energy and protein restriction can be practiced without affecting the production indices irrespective of sex.