Growth Performance, Carcass and Pork Quality Traits of Growing-Finishing Pigs with High and Low Breeding Values for Residual Feed Intake Fed Diets with Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) Pulp as Alternative Raw Material

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary macauba pulp on the growth performance, carcass, and pork traits of growing-finishing pigs; and whether differences in residual feed intake breeding values could influence the pigs’ growth responses to macauba pulp inclusion in the diet. A total of 282 (34.8 ± 4.40 kg) pigs (barrows and females), progeny of sires with high (HRFI) or low (LRFI) breeding value for residual feed intake, were pair-housed on the basis of sex, breeding value, and initial BW. Diets with (macauba) or without (control) of 50 g/kg of macauba pulp inclusion were randomly assigned to the experimental pens. There were eight treatment groups: HRFI barrows were fed the control diet; HRFI barrows were fed the macauba diet; LRFI barrows were fed the control diet; LRFI barrows were fed the macauba diet; HRFI female pigs were fed the control diet; HRFI female pigs were fed the macauba diet; LRFI female pigs were fed the control diet; and LRFI female pigs were fed the macauba diet. The trial lasted 90 days and was divided into four phases: growing phase 1 (G1) and 2 (G2); and finishing phases 1 (F1) and 2 (F2). There was no interaction between sex, breeding value, and diet for performance, carcass, and pork traits. Barrows had higher feed intake (ADFI), daily gain (ADG), feed conversion rate (FCR), and final body weight than female pigs. The breeding value had no effect on performance measurements. The inclusion of macauba pulp in the pigs’ diets did not affect any growth parameter during G1, G2 and F1 phases. However, reduced ADFI and improved FCR were observed in F2. Female pigs had lower backfat thickness (BF) and higher loin eye area (LEA) than barrows. HRFI pigs had higher hot carcass weight and LEA, and lower BF than LRFI pigs. There was no effect of macauba pulp inclusion on carcass traits. Pork from barrows presented lower Warner–Bratzler shear force and higher fat content than pork from the females. There was no effect of breeding value on pork traits. Pork from pigs fed the macauba diet showed lower moisture content and water-holding capacity. In conclusion, macauba pulp can partially replace corn without reducing the performance of pigs. Regardless of sex and breeding value for RFI, pigs responded similarly to macauba pulp inclusion in diets.

Bioconversion of waste of macauba as indication of use for input in animal feeds

“…Its fruits stand out for their high production of vegetable oil, which can be extracted from both the pulp and the kernel. The extracted oils, as well as the fruits in natura, have great pharmacological and nutritional importance (Silva et al, 2019;Moreira et al, 2022). The bran obtained from the extraction of oil from macaúba's pulp and kernel are rich in important residual nutritional properties, such as vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.…”

Production of Biodegradable Polymeric Composites with the Addition of Waste

“…Among the various residues in the biodiesel production chain, we can highlight macaúba [ 22 ], which has a high production of residues resulting from the production of 4000 L of oil per hectare per year, being a high-quality oil with 73% saturated fatty acids and standing out as a raw material for biodiesel production in Brazil [ 23 ]. The fiber from the macaúba epicarp is a favorable option for improving the mechanical properties [ 24 ] of bioplastics because it can be incorporated into this material, improving its mechanical performance, offering high resistance, rigidity and low density, in addition to minimizing the problem related to the destination of this agroenergy residue [ 25 ].…”