Biomet®: Fattening Pigs’ Performance and Carcass Quality

Recently, NOREL and Vet Inter carried out two trials in Ekachai farm (Ratchaburi Province, Thailand). The objective of the studies was to know the effects of the use of blended organic minerals chelated with methionine (Biomet mix fattening®) in pigs when compared to standard feed formula. In the first trial, 180 fattening pigs at weights ranging from 25-100 kg live weight were divided into two groups, with 3 replicate each: (i) control group: no organic mineral premixes; (ii) treatment group: Biomet mix fattening® at inclusion rate of 5000 gram/MT. The trial was conducted in open house. Feed presentation form was powder. Parameters recorded were feed intake, ending weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. For the second trial, 10 heads/ treatment were analyzed to collect data for carcass quality analysis. Parameters recorded were: Length of carcass (cm), Minimum lumbar FAT thickness (mm), Maximum lumbar FAT thickness (mm), Maximum scapular FAT thickness (mm).  Pigs in the trial were slaughtered at 111 days. Results for performance showed positive trends. With regard to carcass quality, Biomet Mix Fattening group showed lower cover fat: lumbar fat thickness (p<0.0001), maximum scapular fat thickness (p<0.1), minimum scapular fat thickness (p=0.0032), but higher meat color score (p=0.001)