Compensatory Growth in Finishing Pigs after Feed Restriction1

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Abstract
Pigs weighing 48 and 66 kg in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, were fed a restricted amount of diet so that about 20% weight loss was incurred over a 3-wk period. During restriction, there was considerable loss of body fat in Exp. 1 as indicated by backfat depth, but in Exp. 2 there was little fat loss. There was loss of muscle mass and mass of several internal organs in Exp. 2 (not evaluated in Exp. 1). Beginning at 19 and 21 d in Exp. 1 (37 kg) and 2 (53 kg), respectively, pigs were refed ad libitum to 89 and 91 d, respectively. A comparable group of pigs was fed ad libitum from 1 d to 61 and 63 d, in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Refed pigs (RF) exhibited compensatory weight gain, but the rate was only slightly greater than that in pigs fed ad libitum (F). In Exp. 1, RF pigs ate considerably more than F pigs and were fatter, as indicated by ultrasonically determined backfat measurements. Comparative slaughter techniques were used in Exp. 2 so that estimates of muscle mass and internal organ weights could be obtained. In Exp. 2, RF pigs did not eat more than F pigs and were not fatter. The relatively small difference in starting weight and presumed subtle differences in body composition appear to have greatly influenced the physiological response to dietary restriction and subsequent refeeding so that differences in the composition of compensatory growth were observed in the two experiments. Copyright © 1987. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1987 by American Society of Animal Science.

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