Effects of Feeding Moriguchizuke Residue on Growth Performance, Frequency of Water Intake, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Fattening Pigs

Effects of Moriguchizuke residue (MoR) as feed on the growth performance, frequency of water intake of pigs, carcass characteristics and meat quality during fattening were investigated. A total of 48 crossbred pigs (Large White×Landrace×Duroc, six barrows, and six gilts) were housed at a density of four pigs (two barrows and two gilts of similar weight) per pigpen. The pigs were divided into four groups each of which MoR was added to feed at levels of 0% (Control group), 3% (MoR3% group), 6% (MoR6% group) and 12% (MoR12% group). The pigs were fed with experimental diets when the average weight of the pigs in each group reached approximately 50 kg and was terminated when the average weights reached approximately 110 kg. Feed and drinking water were provided ad libitum. For the growth performance examined for twelve pigs in each group, the MoR 12% group showed a significantly higher feed intake than the control group (P