Feeding of Crude and Modified Menhaden Oils in Rations for Swine3

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Abstract
Crude menhaden oil, and similar oils modified by alkali washing and bleaching and by polymerization ("kettle bodied") were fed at a 5% level to groups of 4 each, growing Berkshire pigs. Four additional pigs were fed a similar basal ration without fish oil. Superior growth performances, as compared with the control animals was obtained in the groups fed crude and alkali washed menhaden oils. Inferior growth performance was obtained in the group fed polymerized menhaden oil. No differences were apparent in the thickness of back fat, or in the fat contents of livers and kidneys among pigs fed the four rations. Fat hardness, as measured by Iodine number, was superior in the groups fed the polymerized oil ration and the basal ration. Quality of the meat, as measured by cooking tests, was superior in the groups fed the polymerized oil ration and the basal ration. A fishy odor and taste was noticeable in the meat of animals fed the crude and alkali washed menhaden oils. Larger kidneys were observed in the group fed the polymerized oil. The significance of this finding is not apparent. Polymerized menhaden oil appears to offer possibilities in swine rationing as far as carcass quality of the animals is concerned. Such possibilities would be enhanced if polymerization could be effected in such a way as to improve the nutritional qualities of the oil. Copyright © . .

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